PNP Chief Plt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. – Photo courtesy of the Office of the Chief PNP/Facebook.
Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said Monday that the agency was open to an investigation by the Commission on Human Rights into the arrest of demonstrators during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address.
Nartatez said the inquiry could help the PNP review its deployment procedures and determine whether any personnel should be held accountable.
He added that the police remained firm on the arrests but would allow authorities to examine whether violations were committed.
Police arrested 51 people during a protest held ahead of Marcos’ fifth Sona last week.
Twelve of those arrested were later released after they were confirmed to be minors.
Another 30 were freed pending further investigation, while nine underwent inquest proceedings.
The nine faced possible complaints for direct assault, malicious mischief and obstruction of justice.
Several groups, including Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, Karapatan and the National Union of People’s Lawyers, asked the CHR to investigate the arrests and police conduct during the rally.