The Commission on Human Rights (CHR), in coordination with the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission, is conducting a motu propio probe on the alleged torture that resulted to the death of 25-year-old Johairie Maongco Dagalangit inside the detention facility of the Barira Municipal Police Station (MPS) in Maguindanao.

Based on initial reports, Dagalangit voluntarily surrendered to authorities on 25 September 2022 after hitting a child in a motorcycle accident. He was detained in the Barira MPS pending an amicable settlement. A day after, on 26 September 2022, he was reported dead inside the police detention facility. The Barira local police reported that Dagalangit died due to nightmare.

The detainee’s father said that his son’s body bore signs of torture, such as hematoma and bruises. He alleged that Dagalangit did not have wounds nor injuries when he was turned over by the barangay authorities to the Barira MPS.

The Commission welcomes the swift action of the Maguindanao Police Director, Colonel Roel Sermese, to replace the Barira police chief and several police officers of the said police station to give way to an investigation. It is crucial that truth be uncovered swiftly to aid in attaining justice. Any allegations of torture must be firmly tackled to demonstrate seriousness in exacting accountability and to prevent similar future incidents of abuse of authority.

CHR reiterates its stern reminder against all forms of police brutality that equate to torture, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment. The prohibition against torture is absolute and no circumstance can justify it as outlined in the Anti-Torture Act of 2009 and the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. State agents must always take to heart their duty to ensure due process at all times and to respect the rights of all persons, including detainees, suspects, and prisoners. ###