The Commission on Human Rights in Negros Oriental is investigating the alleged  violations committed by a Bayawan City policeman and some members of the  auxiliary police against a civilian, who is now hiding in fear of his life.

The case stemmed from a complaint filed by Roger Calumba before the office of CHR field investigator, Jess Cañete, recently.

Calumba, of Barangay Bugay in Bayawan City, Negros Oriental, claimed that he was picked up from his house at about 1 a.m. March 21, 2014, by men and were armed with AK 47 rifles, and whom he later knew were  members of the auxiliary police of Bayawan, on suspicion that he allowed suspected New People’s Army rebels inside his house. He said the incident was witnessed by his five children aged 3, 5, 9, 14 and 16 years old.

He said the “auxiliary police” and their handler, whom he identified as PO1 John Carl Niaga, who first identified himself as a member of the Bais PNP, forced him  to disclose the names of the suspected NPAs. Calumba  said he admitted having received in his house the former barangay captain and four tanods of Bugay a week before.

Calumba said he was brought to the barangay hall, but while on their way,  Niaga repeatedly questioned him about his visitors, and  allegedly even poked his face with the muzzle of an M16 armalite rifle, while the two other auxiliary cops cocked their firearms.

Calumba said he ran for his life, and reported the incident to the Bayawan police station the following day.

Cañete said he will pursue the case no matter who gets hurt, and despite threats to his life. He said that three days ago, unidentified individuals left a picture frame near his office with a note saying his days are numbered, Cañete said, adding he will not be cowed by the threat.*JG

back to top