THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has launched a motu proprio investigation into allegations of excessive force by Quezon City (QC) police personnel against Bulatlat journalist Aaron Ernest Cruz during a farmer-led protest and encampment outside the Department of Agrarian Reform’s main office on Monday.
In a statement on Thursday, CHR Spokesperson and Commissioner Beda A. Epres said the investigation will proceed regardless of whether Mr. Cruz files an official complaint.
Mr. Cruz’s colleagues reportedly prevented attempts to arrest him, during which his clothes were torn, his bag went missing, and he sustained bruises, Mr. Epres said.
A video from the College Editors Guild of the Philippines showed QC police forcefully restraining Mr. Cruz, despite him showing his press pass and announcing his media affiliation.
CHR investigators already gathered initial accounts from witnesses and protest organizers and requested operational records from the Quezon City Police District, Mr. Epres said.
Pending release of these documents, Mr. Epres highlighted that the CHR is also securing formal statements from concerned parties and assisting affected individuals in filing complaints.
The CHR spokesperson said the commission is also looking into reports of harm involving student journalists during the protest. “Any allegation of excessive force must be independently investigated, and those found responsible must be held accountable,” he added. — Francessca S. Abalos