CHR to probe arrest of ex-Cebu City administrator

Local

ASIDE from the Philippine National Police (PNP), another agency will look into the alleged misconduct of Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) officers.

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) confirmed it has acted on a complaint regarding the controversial arrest of suspended Cebu City Administrator Collin Rosell last November.

In a letter obtained by MyTV Cebu, CHR Executive Director Atty. Jacqueline Ann C. de Guia acknowledged the receipt of the request from Atty. Luis A. Vera Cruz, Rosell’s legal counsel.

The CHR has forwarded the matter to its Central Visayas office for immediate and appropriate action.

The complaint follows the November 8 incident, where CCPO City Director Police Colonel Antonietto Cañete and other officers allegedly stormed Cebu City Hall and forcibly removed Rosell from the premises.

Rosell, who returned to City Hall following the completion of a suspension order, was reportedly handcuffed and dragged from his desk without being informed of his rights or the basis of the arrest.

The incident, captured on video and circulated widely on social media, drew public outrage and accusations of excessive force.

Rosell also alleged procedural violations, including the absence of proper documentation, which delayed his ability to post bail.

Earlier, the PNP Internal Affairs Service (IAS) referred the case to the Regional Internal Affairs Service 7 (RIAS 7) for investigation.

The IAS is determining whether the officers committed gross misconduct or neglected their duties.

Rosell’s legal team emphasized that the officers’ actions violated protocols and undermined public trust in the police force.

“The foregoing acts… have completely eroded the public’s trust in the police force, whose mandate to serve and protect was used capriciously and violently,” the complaint reads.

Cañete, in a brief interview, defended his team’s actions, questioning the merits of the complaint. “Does it have a merit?” he asked.

The controversy has further escalated tensions with the incident linked to broader legal disputes involving Rosell’s return to office and his filing of multiple complaints against officials and officers involved in his arrest.(MyTVCebu)