The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday denied allegations that suspects in the killing of a police officer whose body was discovered in a septic tank last January in Malolos, Bulacan, were tortured while in custody, according to a report by RH Edniel Parrosa.

In a press conference, PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. rejected claims that some of the arrested individuals were physically abused during investigation.

“With regards to that allegation, we categorically deny. We follow due process,” Nartatez said.

The accusation was made by journalist Orlan Mauricio, who is currently being sought by authorities for allegedly acting as an accomplice in concealing or failing to report the crime.

Mauricio claimed that police officers hurt his son, Oliver Mauricio, the owner of the house near where the remains of Bulacan Police Staff Sergeant Renato Casauay Jr. were found.

However, Nartatez challenged the accusers to file a formal complaint if they had evidence to support their claims of torture. He stressed that Oliver Mauricio underwent a medical examination following his arrest.

“If meron silang ebidensya, then they should file a case. Sa ngayon, walang ganyan,” Nartatez said.

Four other suspects in the case remain at large, including Orlan Mauricio.

Earlier, the columnist had called for a parallel investigation by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), a move that the PNP said it welcomes.

Meanwhile, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) confirmed that a ₱1 million reward will be granted following the arrest of the primary suspect, Mon Salamat, who is believed to have shot Casauay. Meanwhile, the six other individuals were arrested for allegedly helping conceal the victim’s body in the septic tank.