SC upholds dismissal of complaints against Tondo secret jail officers

The Supreme Court upheld the dismissal of complaints against police officers involved in a secret jail controversy in Tondo, Manila from 2017.

In a decision dated January 4, 2024 but released on Friday, April 11, the SC Second Division denied the Commission on Human Rights' petition for certiorari that challenged the Ombudsman's decision to clear the police officers.

The court ruled that the CHR failed to provide sufficient evidence of probable cause and that allegations of torture were based on hearsay from detainees who did not support these claims with sworn statements.

Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen dissented, arguing that conditions in the secret detention cell amounted to a violation of human rights and should warrant further investigation.

The High Court acknowledged concerns about Philippine jail overcrowding but found no evidence of bad faith on the part of police officers who detained individuals temporarily due to limited space.

However, the SC stressed that poor jail conditions must still be addressed and reminded the police that even temporary holding areas used during an investigation must be clean, sanitary, and properly maintained.