Six cops charged for ‘flawed arrest’

Charges were filed on Thursday against six policemen who allegedly failed to inform a detainee about his constitutional rights following his arrest.

Fortunato Lapiz filed a complaint for violating Republic Act 7438 or an “Act Defining Certain Rights Of Person Arrested, Detained Or Under Custodial Investigation” against the policemen before the Cebu Provincial Prosecutors’ Office.

The respondents included Senior Insp. Rolando Evalle, PO3 Romeo Bolano, PO2 Cristano Canono, PO1 Bernard Otida, PO1 Diosdado Paunil Jr. and PO1 Michael Villarmia.

A preliminary investigation will be conducted by the prosecutor who shall give the respondents a chance to submit their counteraffidavit to refute the allegations.

In his complaint, Lapiz said he was nabbed by the respondents inside his residence in Naga City on Jan. 27 for purportedly raping a 17-year-old girl.

The respondents didn’t have an arrest warrant with them, the complainant said. Lapiz was released following a court order last April.

The complainant said the respondents allegedly never informed him of his constitutional rights to “remain silent and to have a competent and independent counsel preferably of his own choice.”

He knew about his rights when he met with lawyer Marcelo Bacalso last March.

The complainant is also seeking payment for the damages incurred by the respondents.