Acting Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief PLtGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has ordered the Internal Affairs Service (IAS) to investigate reports of alleged torture against some persons with disability (PWDs) who were among those arrested during the violent rallies in Manila on September 21.

According to a report by Edniel Parrosa, human rights group Karapatan claimed that some detainees suffered torture and inhumane treatment while in the custody of the Manila Police District (MPD). Among them was identified as Edzel Santos, who was allegedly beaten, suffocated with a plastic bag over his head, and sustained injuries during police interrogation.

However, in a press briefing at Camp Crame on Monday, PNP spokesperson PBGen. Randulf Tuaño denied the allegations, stressing that the presence of lawyers made such claims impossible.

“’Nung mga panahon na pinoproseso ang lahat ng mga nahuli, ito kasama na ‘yung adult tsaka minor, kaharap po doon ‘yung mayroong mga human rights lawyer. Nandoon po ‘yung labing-walong lawyer na nagrepresent po sa lahat ng mga nahuli na 212,” said Tuaño.

“Kaya sinasabi po nila na imposible na nasaktan during the custody ng police ‘yung mga taong naaresto,” he added.

Out of the 242 individuals arrested during the anti-corruption rallies, only 30 were not subjected to inquest proceedings as they were minors.