8 Navotas cops face torture raps over alleged coerced confession

Eight Navotas police officers are facing complaints for allegedly torturing two individuals and coercing them into confessing to a double murder.

The victims filed a complaint on November 20 with the police Internal Affairs Service (IAS), citing grave misconduct, serious irregularity in the performance of their duty, conduct unbecoming of a police officer, and violations of the Anti-Torture Act.

The accused police personnel allegedly committed the acts after arresting the victims on November 8, accusing them of a fatal shooting in Barangay Bangkulasi on November 3.

The victims claim they were tied up, had sacks placed over their heads, and were forced to sign a pre-written confession.

However, the Navotas City Police has denied the allegations, stating the operation was lawful and carried out without violence or maltreatment.

They asserted that the supposed gunman executed an extrajudicial confession with the assistance of an independent and competent lawyer, which they claim is inconsistent with the evidence gathered.