Navotas police refute torture claims made by 2 murder suspects
By Hannah Nicol
Navotas City Police Station seal
The Navotas City Police Station (NCPS) denied allegations that its officers tortured or coerced two suspects linked to the Nov. 3 double-murder case in Barangay Bangkulasi.
In a statement, the station described the accusations as “baseless and fabricated,” saying the claims do not reflect what transpired during the arrest and detention of the suspects.
Police said the case stemmed from the killing of two men inside their home.
A witness who survived the attack identified the motorcycle back rider as the gunman and later pointed to the arrested suspects as the same individuals involved in the attack.
The NCPS said the arrests were carried out legally and without the use of force or intimidation. Officers added that the suspects were informed of their rights and were provided access to independent counsel.
One of the suspects allegedly surrendered during a follow-up operation and gave an extrajudicial confession in the presence of a lawyer, contradicting claims of coercion.
The police also said both suspects underwent medical examinations, which reportedly showed no signs of abuse.
They maintained that the detainees were treated humanely and that all procedures followed PNP rules, criminal procedure guidelines, and the Anti-Torture Act.
Investigators cited CCTV footage, witness accounts, and physical evidence as bases supporting the murder probe.
The NCPS said the torture claims appear to be an attempt to discredit its officers and disrupt the investigation.
It added that it welcomes an impartial review by the Internal Affairs Service and denied all accusations against its personnel.
On Nov. 26, several police officers were accused of torturing the two arrested murder suspects while they were in their custody.
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