Holdup suspect's kin seek CHR help vs MPD 'torture cops'

The relatives of a holdup suspect went to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Tuesday to seek help against Manila police personnel whom they accused of torturing their loved one. "Charito," the wife of one of the supposed victims alleged that the torture took place this week at the Manila Police District (MPD) Station 3 in the Sta. Cruz-Quiapo area. "Binuhusan (siya) ng kumukulong mantika, at pinalo sa katawan, sa ulo at sa kamay sa loob ng selda," she said in an interview on dzBB radio. Charito claimed that the police tried to get her husband, Jerry Diaz, to confess that he was involved in holdups in the area. She said at least four policemen were involved in the supposed torture. GMA News Online tried contacting the office of Manila Police District director Chief Supt. Roberto Rongavilla for comments, but his secretary said he is still in a meeting with organizers of the Aug. 23 hostage taking crisis anniversary. Charito admitted her husband had an earlier police record for snatching. A separate report by dzBB's Allan Gatus said Diaz and one Rommel Perez were caught earlier this week along Pampanga Street in Sta. Cruz. - with Jesse Edep, VVP, GMA News