A former overseas Filipino worker (OFW) died after he was allegedly beaten up by police officers while in their custody in Quiapo, Manila.
Former OFW Allan Rafael was allegedly driving along Claro M. Recto Avenue near Quiapo when police officers stopped his vehicle at a police checkpoint, a Facebook post of the OFW’s brother named Aarun read.
While checking the vehicle, Aarun said the police asked for Allan’s watch and asked him to withdraw money before he was brought to the Barbosa Police Community Precinct on August 2.
Upon arrival at the precinct, Allan, who undergoes chemotherapy for cancer, was allegedly forced to admit using drugs because of his thin built.
“Nung dinalaw namin sa presinto noong Linggo [August 5], malakas pa ang kuya ko, pero kinukwento na niya na binubogbog at sinasampal siya ng mga pulis doon pati yung dibdib niya na bagong opera para umamin na nag-drugs siya,” Aarun said in his post.
To Aarun’s surprise, the police said Allan passed away the next day due to his sickness, an explanation that the OFW’s brother questioned.
“Ang tanong namin sa mga pulis sa Barbosa Police Station, bakit pina-embalsamo kaagad ang bangkay ng kuya ko nang wala mang pahintulot sa amin? Bakit parang basang-basa si kuya na parang niloblob sa tubig?” Aarun said.
“Malakas pa siya noong nakausap namin nung Linggo bakit kinabukasan patay na kaagad? Bakit niyo ipina-embalsamo eh wala pang miyembro ng pamilya? May tinatago ba kayo? Parang may sabwatan yung mga Pulis at yung funeral homes na pinagdalhan sa bangkay ni kuya,” he added.
Aarun called for Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Oscar Albayalde, the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Commission on Human Rights to investigate the former OFW’s death.
Police denies beating up the OFW
The Manila Police District (MPD), however, denied that the OFW died in their hands.
MPD said Allan had a “difficulty breathing” before he was rushed to Jose Reyes Memorial Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.
Meanwhile, in a statement sent to Inquirer.net, Police Chief Supt. Guillermo Eleazar, Director of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) added that the arrest was legal as two sachets of shabu (crystal meth) were found in Allan’s possession.
NCRPO, however, noted that they will be conducting a thorough investigation regarding the case.
The National Bureau of Investigation has also pleaded to conduct a separate investigation on the OFW’s death.
