The Commission on Human Rights-Central Visayas (CHR-7) launched an investigation into the recent police raid of a Lumad bakwit school on the University of San Carlos-Talamban campus.

According to CHR special investigator Leo Villarino, initial investigation began the afternoon of the arrest on Monday, February 15. 

“Right now we are conducting a follow-up investigation; our investigators are already deployed in the field,” he said in a phone interview. 

Initial findings from the February 15 investigation included interviews with Lumad children during their time in Police Regional Office-7, and statements from parents. The initial report, Villarin said, had already been forwarded to the CHR Central Office.

CHR-7 investigators are conducting necessary follow-ups on Wednesday, February 17.

Must Read

Raid or rescue? What we know so far about Lumad arrests in Cebu City

The 19 minors are now in custody of the Cebu City Department of Social Welfare and Development while the 7 arrested are awaiting inquest.

In the latest update to Cebu media, the National Union of People’s Laywers- Cebu said they were informed that the inquest proceedings would take place Wednesday afternoon. 

This goes past the 36 hours maximum time to file charges against detained suspects arrested without warrant. – Rappler.com