CHR scores 4th victory in prosecuting torture cases

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) announced on Wednesday that it achieved its fourth win over a filed torture case under the Anti-Torture Act.

The agency said a case filed by CHR Soccsksargen over a 2018 torture case against three police officers in Koronadal City, South Cotabato, resulted in a conviction, marking the fourth instance that the CHR “has been involved in addressing allegations of torture” and succeeded.

“This demonstrates the CHR’s consistent efforts to pursue justice and hold perpetrators accountable for violating human rights under the provisions of the Anti-Torture Act,” the commission said in a statement.

The convicted cops namely PMSG Edmer Gerodias, PCPL Edwin Habagat, and PAT. Allen Candido was found guilty of inflicting physical injuries on victim Ernesto Omani after he was arrested for a traffic violation in 2018. 

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CHR said that the case is not only a violation of the law but also a “direct transgression against the principles of humanity,” especially since the convicts are supposed to be “agents of peace.”

“Given the ruling of this case, we reiterate our reminder to all police officers to adhere to the Philippine National Police Operational Procedures, which states that ‘no violence or unnecessary force shall be used in making an arrest’,” it said.

With this, the CHR assured that it will remain committed to its efforts to build a society that is protective of human rights and “enables everyone to live without fear of abuse, torture, or cruelty.” — Barbara Gutierrez, INQUIRER.net intern