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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider CHR to probe 'abuse, mistreatment of detainees' at Tacloban City Jail

CHR to probe 'abuse, mistreatment of detainees' at Tacloban City Jail

Published Jul 31, 2025 01:21 pm
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has decided to conduct its investigation on the alleged abuse and mistreatment of detained journalist Frenchice Mae Cumpio and Marielle Domequil at the Tacloban City Jail Female Dormitory.
It said it received reports that both Cumpio and Domequil have experienced serious delays in the provision of medical attention, processing of consent forms for trial monitoring, and approval of visits from media and diplomatic representatives.
It also said that their families and support groups complained that the two detainees have been denied their right to confidential communication with legal counsel.
It cited reports that jail authorities were opening and reading their personal letters, as well as withholding them.
Cumpio and Domequil were arrested together with human rights advocate Alexander Philip Abinguna on Feb. 7, 2020 when authorities conducted raids on alleged communist safe houses.
They were charged with illegal possession of firearms and explosives. The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) accused them of funding the New People's Army (NPA) as P557,360 was found during the raid.
The CHR referred their case to its Regional Office VIII for investigation while coordinating with concerned wardens to address the issues. It stressed that a prompt and impartial resolution of the case is essential to strengthen accountability.
At the same time, the CHR assured their families and supporters that they will remain actively engaged in the investigation and in advocating for their rights, especially since they have been detained for more than five years already.
It said: "The reported case of Cumpio and Domequil reflects broader systemic issues faced by many persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) nationwide. The CHR continues to emphasize the urgent need to establish a National Preventive Mechanism, an independent body tasked with preventing torture and other forms of ill-treatment in detention facilities."
It stressed that the government bears the duty to uphold the rights and dignity of all persons, including those deprived of liberty.
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