By Jennifer P. Rendon
Captain Ryan Christ Inot, chief of the Molo Police Station in Iloilo City, has dismissed allegations of police brutality involving the arrest of alias RK Magbanua.
Magbanua, 25, was apprehended in Molo on the evening of November 19, hours after the murder of 18-year-old Chris Mark Gapol.
Magbanua’s family alleged that officers assaulted him at the police station, resulting in hematomas on his body.
Inot denied the claims, asserting that the police followed standard procedures during the arrest and custody. He said they were accompanied by village officials when they went to Magbanua’s rented residence.
Magbanua allegedly resisted arrest and attempted to flee but was subdued by the officers.
As part of the protocol, police brought Magbanua to a hospital for a medical examination before placing him in detention.
“If they’re insisting that he was manhandled and had injuries, they’re essentially questioning the physician’s findings,” Inot said.
He stated that the police are prepared to face any charges that Magbanua’s family may file.
“We have evidence to counter their claims,” he added.
The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) has also expressed its readiness to address the allegations.
Major Shella Mae Sangrines, ICPO spokesperson, emphasized that the ICPO respects the family’s right to file charges against the police officers.
She noted that ICPO director Colonel Kim Legada has consistently reminded officers to adhere to Philippine National Police (PNP) standard operating procedures.
If Magbanua’s family pursues a complaint with the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM), the ICPO legal team is prepared to assist the implicated officers.
Magbanua, along with 16-year-old Angelo and two others, has been charged with murder in connection with Gapol’s killing.
Gapol, a resident of Zone 5, Barangay San Juan, Molo, was inside a tricycle waiting for someone when two men on a motorcycle approached him.
The back rider repeatedly shot Gapol without provocation, hitting him three times in the neck and once in the head. He was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.
Police are investigating two possible motives for the killing.
“The first involves illegal drugs. We received reports that the suspect failed to remit the correct amount for his drug collection,” Inot said.
The second angle considers Gapol’s involvement in previous misdemeanors.
