Pangasinan Police Suspend Four Officers Amid Torture Allegations

SAN MANUEL, PANGASINAN — Four police officers, including the officer in charge of the San Manuel Police Station in Pangasinan, Maj. Ronnie Maramba, have been administratively relieved from their duties pending an investigation into accusations of torturing a drug suspect, Edilberto Sumajit, who was arrested on August 5.

According to Philippines News Agency, the information officer of the Pangasinan Provincial Police Office, the decision to relieve the officers was made on Tuesday, but emphasized that they were not suspended and are currently reassigned to Camp Antonio Sison in Lingayen, Pangasinan. This action comes in response to a video posted on social media by Sumajit’s sister, alleging that her brother experienced torture while in detention, which left him feeling weak, dizzy, and nauseated.

The Pangasinan PPO has strongly denied these allegations, stating that medical examinations conducted post-arrest showed only minor abrasions, which they claim occurred during a brief scuffle as police attempted to arrest Sumajit. Dela Cruz detailed that both the suspect and an officer sustained minor injuries during the incident. Following Sumajit’s complaints, he was returned to the Rural Health Unit of San Manuel for further medical attention early Wednesday morning.

The police also disclosed that Sumajit, previously on probation for drug offenses in 2014, is facing current charges of attempted murder from a shooting incident on July 18, 2024, in San Manuel, Pangasinan. Further complicating his legal situation, he tested positive for methamphetamine hydrochloride, as per tests conducted by the Provincial Forensic Unit.

Dela Cruz reassured that the investigation into the torture claims will be thorough, fair, and impartial, with potential criminal or administrative charges to be filed against the officers involved if the evidence supports the allegations.