THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission are conducting an independent investigation into the alleged abuse that resulted in the death of Johairie Maongco Dagalangit, 25, within the custody facility of the Barira Municipal Police Station (MPS) in Maguindanao. . According to preliminary accounts, Dagalangit willingly surrendered to authorities on September 25 after colliding with a child on his motorbike. He was kept at the Barira MPS until a peaceful settlement. On September 26, he was reported dead. Local police in Barira said Dagalangit died as a result of a nightmare. The detainee’s father, Haron Dagalangit, said his son’s body displayed marks of abuse, such as hematomas and bruises. He said that Dagalangit had no wounds or injuries when he was handed over to the Barira MPS by the barangay (village) authorities. The CHR commends the Maguindanao Police director, Col. Roel Sermese, for acting quickly to dismiss the Barira police chief, Maj. Radzak Musa, and other police officers from the precinct to pave the way for an inquiry. “It is critical that the truth be revealed as soon as possible in order to help achieve justice. Torture claims must be vigorously pursued in order to demonstrate seriousness in demanding responsibility and prevent similar future instances of misuse of authority,” the CHR said in a statement on Saturday. CHR maintains its strong condemnation of police violence comparable to torture, cruel or degrading treatment, or punishment.