By BOY RYAN B. ZABAL
KALIBO, Aklan — Four members of the Provincial Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Group (Paidsotg) were under investigation over the alleged police brutality against a drug suspect here.
They were Insp. Wilfredo Hofileña, Paidsotg chief; PO3 Allan dela Cruz; and PO1s Lloyd Raymundo and Rolando Dano, said PO3 Pelegrino Palomar Jr., pre-charge evaluator for the Provincial Internal Affairs Service (PIAS).
Palomar said these policemen may face administrative charges.
They allegedly manhandled 27-year-old Reijie Rose, whom they arrested for illegal drug possession and sale during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Tigayon here.
Rose is currently under hospital arrest in Iloilo City, where he sought treatment for his severe body and head injuries.
The four were undergoing pre-charge investigation for grave misconduct, a grave offense in the Philippine National Police, Palomar said.
They were not suspended yet, however, the PIAS investigator clarified.
“Until we have not completed the investigation, we could not recommend their preventive suspension,” said Palomar.
It was not immediately clear if civilian agents will also undergo pre-charge evaluation.
One witness to the incident has surfaced, but testimonies from more witnesses will speed up the investigation, Palomar said.
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the Commission on Human Rights were also conducting separate probes./PN
