By BOY RYAN B. ZABAL
KALIBO, Aklan — Authorities were urging more witnesses to the alleged police brutality against a drug suspect here to come out and speak.
Only one witness has spoken to the Provincial Internal Affairs Service (PIAS), which is investigating the incident, as of this writing.
The witness was from Barangay Tigayon, where anti-narcotics policemen allegedly manhandled Reijie Rose, said Senior Insp. Eugenio Dionisio Jr., PIAS chief.
Investigators believe there are more witnesses, even as they try to determine the cops’ administrative liabilities, Dionisio said.
Dionisio, however, refused to give details on the witness’ account. He called on more witnesses to help the investigators.
Anyone with information that can help in the probe may contact PIAS at Aklan Police Provincial Office in Barangay New Buswang here at 2621008.
Rose, 27, claimed that he was mauled by operatives of Provincial Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Group during a buy-bust operation on July 13.
He was accused of possessing and selling shabu, but he denied the allegation.
Initial police reports said Rose tried to flee, prompting the policemen to subdue him.
Rose was admitted in the provincial hospital here but was later taken to another government-run hospital in Iloilo City.
Once the investigators indict the cops involved for grave misconduct, a moto propio investigation report will be submitted to the Regional Internal Affairs Service in Iloilo City, Dionisio said.
“Trust PIAS, since our investigation is impartial, fair, and objective,” he appealed to the Rose family. “We will file an appropriate case against whoever committed an offense.”
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the Commission on Human Rights were conducting separate investigations on the incident. (Aklan Forum Journal/PN)
