JASAAN, Misamis Oriental — A family in Jasaan, Misamis Oriental has publicly called for a fair and impartial investigation after alleging that a relative arrested in an anti-illegal drug operation was subjected to physical abuse while in police custody.
In a series of lengthy social media posts, netizen Tyshen NM said his family is not questioning the legality of the arrest nor attempting to shield his brother from criminal liability. Instead, the family said they are seeking accountability over allegations that the suspect was physically assaulted before being formally processed by authorities.
According to the family’s account, the suspect was allegedly brought to a cemetery and assaulted before being taken to the police station. They also claimed that he sustained multiple injuries, including bruises and bleeding, and alleged that he was punched, kicked, slapped, and struck while already under police control.
The family further alleged that the suspect was transported around Jasaan in a white van before being taken to the cemetery, where they questioned the circumstances surrounding the recovery of alleged illegal drugs. They raised concerns over what they described as possible irregularities during the arrest, although these allegations have not been independently verified.
Despite the accusations, the family emphasized that they are not opposing the filing of criminal charges against the suspect should evidence warrant prosecution.
“If my brother committed a crime, then charge him, present the evidence, and let the court decide his fate,” the family wrote. “But if he was subjected to unnecessary force while in police custody, that is a serious matter that also deserves accountability.”
The family repeatedly stressed that their brother’s alleged involvement with illegal drugs does not strip him of his constitutional rights.
They argued that every accused person is entitled to due process and humane treatment regardless of the offense being investigated.
Medico-Legal Examination Documents Injuries
Supporting the family’s claim that the suspect sustained physical injuries, a Medico-Legal Certification (No. 2026-45) issued by the Jasaan Municipal Hospital documented multiple injuries during an examination conducted on July 19, 2026, one day after the reported arrest.
According to the medico-legal report, the 38-year-old male sustained:
- Multiple linear abrasions on the anterolateral cervical (neck) area, left frontal area, and mid-back;
- Soft tissue contusions on the right lower back and left maxillary (cheek) area.
The examining physician diagnosed the injuries as “multiple physical injuries secondary to mauling” and estimated a 10-day healing period. The report also noted that the incident allegedly occurred at around 6:00 p.m. on July 18, 2026, in Upper Jasaan, Jasaan, Misamis Oriental, and referenced Police Blotter Entry No. 2026-07-342.
While the medico-legal certificate documents the existence and nature of the injuries, it does not identify who inflicted them or determine the circumstances under which they were sustained. Those matters remain the subject of the ongoing investigation.
The family also cited Republic Act No. 7438, which safeguards the rights of persons under custodial investigation, Republic Act No. 9745 (Anti-Torture Act of 2009), and the 1987 Philippine Constitution, urging authorities to ensure these laws are upheld.
In their statement, the family called for an independent, transparent, and impartial investigation into the alleged incident.
“Justice is not revenge. Justice is not brutality. Justice is accountability,” the post stated.
The family also appealed to the public to refrain from spreading unverified information or making premature judgments while investigations are ongoing.
Police Respond
Following the circulation of the allegations online, the Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office (MORPPO) released an official statement acknowledging the accusations.
According to MORPPO, the allegations of physical abuse and irregular arrest involving personnel of the Jasaan Municipal Police Station are being taken seriously.
The provincial police office announced that a prompt and impartial investigation has already been initiated to determine the facts surrounding the incident and ensure accountability in accordance with the law and existing Philippine National Police (PNP) policies.
MORPPO also reiterated the PNP’s zero-tolerance policy against abuse, misconduct, and any act that undermines public trust.
Provincial Director Police Colonel Jovit C. Abanales reminded all police personnel to perform their duties with integrity, discipline, professionalism, and respect for human rights, warning that any officer found to have violated the law or PNP regulations would be dealt with accordingly.
The police further emphasized that all personnel are expected to remain accountable in the performance of their duties while the investigation is underway.
Investigation Ongoing
As of this writing, no official findings have been released regarding the allegations, and authorities have not disclosed whether administrative or criminal complaints have been filed against any police personnel.
Likewise, the allegations made by the family remain unproven pending the outcome of the official investigation.
The incident highlights two equally important principles under the rule of law: the State’s duty to enforce laws against illegal drugs and criminality, and its obligation to protect the constitutional rights and dignity of every individual, including persons under arrest.
Authorities are expected to determine, through an impartial investigation, whether established arrest procedures, custodial protocols, and human rights standards were observed during the operation. The findings of the medico-legal examination are expected to form part of the evidence that investigators may consider in establishing the facts of the case.