RTC: Probe PNP officers in Abra, abduction, torture case
>> Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Cordi PNP chief sets investigation
BANGUED, Abra – The
Regional Trial Court of Abra granted a Writ of Amparo on Feb. 20 in favor of
Excel Billedo, who was allegedly abducted here, detained and tortured by around
10 police officers based in the province.
In his decision, Judge Bonhoffer V. Bernardez directed the regional police office director to investigate and look into possible liability of Lt. Col. Melecio M. Mina. chief police intelligence unit of Abra; Maj. Dwight Langcayas Fagyan, Bangued police chief; Lt. Reylan D. Balingway, San Isidro police chief; Lt. Reylan D. Balingway, San Isidro police chief; PEMS Orly Laureta of PIU, Abra and Cpl. Mark Bulaay of Bangued police.
Respondents included police officers Capt. Rovisco G. Dulnuan and provincial police chief Col. Maly Cula.
But Bernardez dismissed charges against Cula and the chiefs of the intelligence sections of Bangued and San Isidro police for lack of merit.
The judge prohibited police from surveilling or monitoring Remedios and her son Excel.
A protection order was likewise issued in favor of Excel and his mother, Remedios, who filed the Petition for a Writ of Amparo to protect the life, liberty and property of her son.
The Writ of Amparo is a writ created by the Supreme Court to protect citizens from undue harassment and harm, especially those effected by enforcement agencies.
It is not issued lightly but, once it is, it carries the full weight of the judiciary behind it.
“The Integrated Bar of the Philippines commends Judge Bonhoffer V. Bernardez for his prompt action in resolving the case,” the IBP’s board of governors said in a statement. “The IBP likewise recognizes the brave efforts of Atty. Liwliwa Alzate, Abra Chapter immediate past president and former legal aid committee chair. Her able representation of her clients have aided them in their quest for justice despite great risks to herself. It is a sterling example of lawyering for the public interest.”
The IBP statement added: “We call on all members of the legal profession – both the Bench and the Bar to share the example set by Judge Bernandez and Atty. Alzate as proof that the rule of law prevails. Let us support our brethren who stand for the downtrodden.”
In his order, Judge Bernardez also ordered the regional police office to investigate the matter and report to the court its probe within six months.
Cordillera police director Brig. Gen. Bazar Mafelino A. Bazar told the media he will conduct an investigation.
He however did not say if the involved police officers will be put under preventive suspension.
In her complaint, Remedios said at about 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 20 at Banbangar, Bangued, her house was ransacked by around 10 armed men in civilian clothing led by police officer Orly Laureta without warrant of arrest, saying they were looking for her son Excel.
Then they proceeded to the house of the barangay officer Laureto Laureta’s house to look for Excel where he was employed as a cook in the noodle house.
Laureto Laureta was also reportedly tortured later by the cops.
Police allegedly took Excel without his consent and dragged him inside a vehicle.
They were rode a red Montero, black sedan car, pick-up truck, DMAX and a black XRM.
Remedios said between 9 to 9:30 p.m., she went to the Bangued police station to report her son.
On Jan. 20, Remedios with her other children went to the regional police headquarters here in Camp Villamor to inquire about her son but were not allowed entry, allegedly by higher authorities.
PO Mark Builaay, when asked, said it was not his duty and obligation to look for their son.
Morning the same day, Bangued chief of police told Remedios her son was transferred to San Isidro town police station.
They went to see him but were informed he was brought to Abra provincial hospital in Bangued for medico-legal examination.
They waited for him to arrive and at 2 p.m. San Isidro police arrived with Excel heavily guarded.
When Remedios approached him, she saw Excel’s arms, hands, legs, elbow, and ankle were allegedly electrocuted and could barely walk.
His neck was allegedly swelling allegedly from being strangled.
The charge sheet said Excel told Remedios that he was abducted and tortured because police wanted him to be a witness with regard to the death of a certain Vietnamese national.
When he refused to sign the prepared affidavit, he was allegedly beaten, electrocuted and forced to swallow a bitter substance.
Excel also told her that he saw Ronald Laureta at the safe house being beaten by police officers.
He claimed he can identify his police torturers because the blindfold was taken out while he was being beaten.
Remedios claimed from Jan. 21 up to the present, members of the Police Intelligence Group and Orly Laureta have been threatening to kill her, her family and friends if they filed a case against them.
In his decision, Judge Bonhoffer V. Bernardez directed the regional police office director to investigate and look into possible liability of Lt. Col. Melecio M. Mina. chief police intelligence unit of Abra; Maj. Dwight Langcayas Fagyan, Bangued police chief; Lt. Reylan D. Balingway, San Isidro police chief; Lt. Reylan D. Balingway, San Isidro police chief; PEMS Orly Laureta of PIU, Abra and Cpl. Mark Bulaay of Bangued police.
Respondents included police officers Capt. Rovisco G. Dulnuan and provincial police chief Col. Maly Cula.
But Bernardez dismissed charges against Cula and the chiefs of the intelligence sections of Bangued and San Isidro police for lack of merit.
The judge prohibited police from surveilling or monitoring Remedios and her son Excel.
A protection order was likewise issued in favor of Excel and his mother, Remedios, who filed the Petition for a Writ of Amparo to protect the life, liberty and property of her son.
The Writ of Amparo is a writ created by the Supreme Court to protect citizens from undue harassment and harm, especially those effected by enforcement agencies.
It is not issued lightly but, once it is, it carries the full weight of the judiciary behind it.
“The Integrated Bar of the Philippines commends Judge Bonhoffer V. Bernardez for his prompt action in resolving the case,” the IBP’s board of governors said in a statement. “The IBP likewise recognizes the brave efforts of Atty. Liwliwa Alzate, Abra Chapter immediate past president and former legal aid committee chair. Her able representation of her clients have aided them in their quest for justice despite great risks to herself. It is a sterling example of lawyering for the public interest.”
The IBP statement added: “We call on all members of the legal profession – both the Bench and the Bar to share the example set by Judge Bernandez and Atty. Alzate as proof that the rule of law prevails. Let us support our brethren who stand for the downtrodden.”
In his order, Judge Bernardez also ordered the regional police office to investigate the matter and report to the court its probe within six months.
Cordillera police director Brig. Gen. Bazar Mafelino A. Bazar told the media he will conduct an investigation.
He however did not say if the involved police officers will be put under preventive suspension.
In her complaint, Remedios said at about 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 20 at Banbangar, Bangued, her house was ransacked by around 10 armed men in civilian clothing led by police officer Orly Laureta without warrant of arrest, saying they were looking for her son Excel.
Then they proceeded to the house of the barangay officer Laureto Laureta’s house to look for Excel where he was employed as a cook in the noodle house.
Laureto Laureta was also reportedly tortured later by the cops.
Police allegedly took Excel without his consent and dragged him inside a vehicle.
They were rode a red Montero, black sedan car, pick-up truck, DMAX and a black XRM.
Remedios said between 9 to 9:30 p.m., she went to the Bangued police station to report her son.
On Jan. 20, Remedios with her other children went to the regional police headquarters here in Camp Villamor to inquire about her son but were not allowed entry, allegedly by higher authorities.
PO Mark Builaay, when asked, said it was not his duty and obligation to look for their son.
Morning the same day, Bangued chief of police told Remedios her son was transferred to San Isidro town police station.
They went to see him but were informed he was brought to Abra provincial hospital in Bangued for medico-legal examination.
They waited for him to arrive and at 2 p.m. San Isidro police arrived with Excel heavily guarded.
When Remedios approached him, she saw Excel’s arms, hands, legs, elbow, and ankle were allegedly electrocuted and could barely walk.
His neck was allegedly swelling allegedly from being strangled.
The charge sheet said Excel told Remedios that he was abducted and tortured because police wanted him to be a witness with regard to the death of a certain Vietnamese national.
When he refused to sign the prepared affidavit, he was allegedly beaten, electrocuted and forced to swallow a bitter substance.
Excel also told her that he saw Ronald Laureta at the safe house being beaten by police officers.
He claimed he can identify his police torturers because the blindfold was taken out while he was being beaten.
Remedios claimed from Jan. 21 up to the present, members of the Police Intelligence Group and Orly Laureta have been threatening to kill her, her family and friends if they filed a case against them.
Police
allegedly confiscated her phone earlier when she tried to take pictures of
them.
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