DETAINED 3 MALL EMPLOYEES DEPRIVED OF DUE PROCESS

November 3, 2022

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Bitag Exclusives

Three employees of a computer service center sought the help of Pambansang Sumbungan: #ipaBITAGmo after they were detained by the Manila Police District (MPD) without thorough investigation and undertaking of due process.

The three Gigahertz Service Center employees appeared at the public service program of BITAG Multimedia Network (BMN) to divulge the alleged irregular undertakings of MPD Ermita Police Station 5.

They said instead of supposedly questioning purposes, the investigators detained and inquest them, then sent them immediately to jail.

The case stemmed from the simple complaint of Rhoroda Alvarez a.k.a “Pandoray” accusing the employees of stealing her laptop without any basis.

According to the complainants, Pandoray abandoned her laptop in November 2021 at the Gigahertz Service Center without reaching out to the technicians.

After eight months, Pandoray appeared at the service center on July 23 and accused the employees of stealing her laptop when she was not able to provide a copy of the job order when she was asked by the customer service representative (CSR).

It said Pandoray suddenly became irritated and call a mall security guard to hold the three employees.

They were immediately brought to the MPD PS-5 in Ermita, Manila for investigation and questioning purposes.

Suddenly, the supposed questioning turned into an actual inquest procedure.

It said they were immediately sent to the prosecutor’s office for charges of theft, malicious mischief, estafa, and unjust vexation without being arrested and without explaining their Miranda Rights.

However, due to the lack of basis in Pandoray’s complaint, the court dismissed the case on August 22, 2022.

Rhodora “Pandoray” Alvarez was also subject to a previous complaint to #ipaBITAGmo for assaulting a foodpanda delivery rider.

Meanwhile, fearless investigative journalist Ben Tulfo of the investigative public service program #ipaBITAGmo lectured the police officers of MPD Station 5.

“There is no warrantless arrest. Walang inaresto, walang arrest warrant. Ibinasura na ng hukuman yung pagkakamali na ginawa ng presinto ninyo,” Mr. Tulfo addressed to the MPD.