CHR-7 wants CPDRC, PDEA-7 reports clarified

As probe continues into the controversial Greyhound Operation at the Capitol-run jail facility last February, the Commission on Human Rights Region (CHR) -7 chief investigator plans to meet the officials of the involved offices to clarify some points cited under their submitted reports.

Leo Villarino, chief of the Investigation Division of CHR-7, told reporters that the commission will be asking personnel from the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region (PDEA) - 7 to appear separately before their office.

“We have questions about their report and we will ask them to explain on some points that we find in their report… Whoever the agency's official will be sending and that he or she thinks is suited to answer the questions,” he said.

Villarino said he found personal meet-ups most convenient since it may be difficult if different parties would rather be exchanging messages through written communication.

On March 10, CHR-7 subpoenaed the CPDRC and PDEA-7, requiring them to submit their respective investigation report and other materials like photos and video footage during the Greyhound Operation in February.

The nude photos of CPDRC inmates during the operation that were published in daily newspapers and circulated in social media prompted CHR-7 to intervene and initiate an investigation to determine whether authorities violated the rights of the convicts.

Villarino confirmed that both offices have already responded to their subpoenas by submitting pictures taken during the operation. However, both also failed to produce copies of video footage.

He said the CPDRC management reasoned out that the CCTV footages were already “overeaten” while PDEA-7 has yet to explain in writing why the agency could not produce the material.

Villarino said there is no date scheduled yet for the separate appearance of the two offices, as his investigation section will have to discuss some matters with their regional director pertaining to the investigation report.

He said that after the appearance, his section will have to sit down again with the CPDRC management, a representative from the governor's office, the Cebu provincial legal officer and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology personnel to discuss existing operational procedures.

Meanwhile, CHR-7 also intends to invite media practitioners to review certain guidelines in covering Greyhound Operations.

He took as example the publication of the image showing the nude inmates which eventually gained public outcry and criticism.