CHR vows impartial probe into Collin Rosell’s arrest

CEBU, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR)-7 yesterday assured of its impartiality and independence from any influence in its investigation on the arrest of former Cebu City administrator Collin Rosell at the Cebu City Hall.

CHR-7 Director Arvin Odron said he confirmed that they have already received directives from the CHR Central Office to conduct an investigation into Rosell's complaint, following his arrest at Cebu City Hall on Nov. 8.

Upon receipt of the directive, Odron said they coordinated with Rosell, the alleged victim in the case. He said Rosell’s case is one of those they are reviewing in observance of National Human Rights Consciousness Week.

“So, we want to impart to the community the rights that should be protected and secured. If the rights of any person—regardless of who they are, whether a government official or an ordinary citizen—are violated, then the CHR can step in and take cognizance of the case,” said Odron.

He, however, assured that they will thoroughly investigate this case as directed by their Central Office.

Furthermore, Odron said that they want to maintain their "independence" as a human rights institution and guarantee that they will remain neutral in order to arrive at an impartial judgment.

“So, we will receive the complaint from the victim, and then we will ask the respondent for a counter-affidavit,” said Odron.

He added that the respondent, Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) Director Police Colonel Antonietto Cañete, will be given due process and time to submit his counter-affidavit.

“So, the CHR will just stay in the middle. We will evaluate the facts of the case, the evidence presented, and determine if there has been a violation or abuse of human rights,” said Odron.

He mentioned that the CHR only became involved after the allegations of abuse by the Philippine National Police (PNP) against Rosell.  He said that they still need the cooperation of the "victim."

However, he noted that they are also considering how they can assist, since Rosell is a lawyer who "knows his rights."

He further stated that Rosell is someone who "protects his rights."

“Normally, our victims approach the CHR because they cannot afford legal assistance or do not know how to file charges or whom to approach. But Attorney Rosell is a lawyer; he knows the law,” said Odron.

Despite this, Odron confirmed that there has already been initial communication and efforts made by their investigation department regarding the case.

Additionally, Odron stated that they will require Rosell to submit his affidavit complaint. Those identified as respondents will also be called upon after that.

Odron mentioned that the investigation is ongoing but has been interrupted due to the kick-off program of National Human Rights Consciousness Week, which began yesterday.

The CHR and the PNP are each launching an investigation against Cañete and CCPO Police Station 3 Commander John Lynberth Castigador Yango, among others, regarding the arrest of Rosell last month.

This is in response to the request of former mayor Michael Rama’s camp to investigate Cañete and Yango.

To recall, Rosell, supported by Rama’s camp, attempted to return as city administrator at Cebu City Hall and even signed a memorandum, which led to his arrest for “usurpation of authority”. A video showed that it was Cañete who personally handcuffed Rosell.

The Internal Affairs Service of the national PNP has also acknowledged Rama’s camp’s request for an investigation into the complaint against Cañete, among others, for Grave Misconduct and Gross Neglect of Duty related to the arrest of Rosell "without valid reason”, as alleged by Rosell. — /RHM (FREEMAN)