Hidden Cell Found Inside MPD Containing Detainees
A Hidden cell containing more than a dozen of detainees were found behind the shelf inside the Manila Police District (MPD) Station 1.
On Thursday (April 27, 2017), MPD officials and officials of Commission on Human Rights (CHR) have clashed over the alleged hidden cell at the station 1 in Tondo, Manila.v CHR has been the authority to exercise visitorial powers over detention facilities, jails, and prisons as granted by the 1987 Constitution.
CHR-National Capital Region investigation Chief Gilbert Boyser and his team consisting of eight members have conducted a surprise visit at the MPD Station 1. The surprise visit came after receiving a report that at least 12 detainees held in a hidden cell.
The makeshift cell was only about 5 ft. wide with no exhaust fan or even a ventilation. The hidden cell can be found behind the station’s Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) office.
Boyser said that the detainees did not undergo the proper preceding and their arrest was not recorded properly. The detainees were hidden from the public and there are also at least 4 people came to testify that have been asked to produce money in exchange for their freedom.
12 people have been detained in the hidden cell for at least 10 days without the filing of charges as confirmed by CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia. She also said that the agency is now conducting a probe into the allegations of detainees stating that they were tortured and suffered ill-treatment inside the cell.
“These people are going to come out and file charges against the policemen. The process is highly irregular,” said by Boyser quoted by Philstar. He also said MPD Station 1 commander Superintendent Robert Domingo will be facing corresponding charges.
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