NCRPO probes detainee’s slay

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) is investigating the death of a man while in the custody of the Manila Police District (MPD), an official said yesterday.

NCRPO chief Director Guillermo Eleazar ordered the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division to look into the death of Jervie Bernardo, a detainee of the MPD Station 7.

“There should be no stone left unturned in the investigation of the case so his family can find out the truth,” Eleazar said.

Bernardo’s family has requested the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct a separate probe.

His relatives also sought the help of the Commission on Human Rights and Public Attorney’s Office.

Bernardo was arrested on Feb. 7 for illegal possession of firearms.

Initial investigation showed that three policemen accompanied Bernardo during his booking procedures at the MPD Station 7 when the suspect allegedly grabbed the firearm of one of the officers.

Reports said the officer wrestled for the gun and fired, hitting Bernardo in the abdomen.

Police said Bernardo was subdued and taken to the hospital, but he succumbed to injuries a day later.

The detainee’s family doubted the police version of events, prompting them to seek the NBI help.

Prior to his death, a family member took video footage of Bernardo, who belied the policemen’s accusation against him.

The three policemen, whose identities remain withheld, were placed in the custody of MPD Station 7 commander Superintendent Gene Licud.

Licud vowed to cooperate in the investigation.