KARAPATAN decries torture of PWDs in MPD custody
KARAPATAN Public Information
PRESS RELEASE
26 September 2025
References: Maria Sol Taule, KARAPATAN Deputy Secretary General, 09452966916
KARAPATAN Public Information Desk, 0918-9790580
KARAPATAN decries torture of PWDs in MPD custody
KARAPATAN strongly condemns the torture, forced labor, and other cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) who were among those arrested during the September 21 protest actions and are detained at the Manila Police District (MPD).
According to reports, the PWDs, along with other detainees, have been subjected to beatings, forced to perform degrading tasks, extorted for money in exchange for protection from further harm, and coerced into admitting guilt.
“The MPD should take their hands off the arrested persons and stop their atrocious acts. What makes these violations even more reprehensible is that the victims are PWDs, who should be afforded protection and care—not violence and humiliation. These acts are blatant violations of their rights as persons deprived of liberty, guaranteed under both domestic law and international humanitarian standards,” said KARAPATAN Deputy Secretary General Atty. Maria Sol Taule.
Reports reaching KARAPATAN detail that Edzel Santos, a PWD, was beaten, suffocated with a plastic bag over his head, and sustained multiple injuries while in custody. Other PWDs, including Alexis Bisuyo and Alvin Karingal, also sustained injuries during police interrogation, with Karingal’s case drawing widespread attention online.
“Many detainees continue to endure untreated injuries. In recent days, volunteer medical professionals sought by families of the victims were barred from entering the detention facility, further depriving the detainees of urgently needed medical attention. One detainee has a swollen foot at risk of infection, while many others are showing alarming symptoms such as fever and body pains, likely caused by the torture they suffered,” Taule added.
Human rights advocates reiterated their call for the immediate release of all those illegally arrested on September 21, as well as a full and independent investigation into what they described as the “maximum violence” employed by police against protesters and detainees.
“The State has inflicted the gravest violence on the poor Filipinos by robbing us of a dignified life, rights and freedoms through corruption, fascist attacks and oppression. The people have had enough. This has to end now,” Taule said. #
PHOTOS:
1. Injuries of Edzel Santos
2.
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KARAPATAN is an alliance of human rights organizations and programs, human rights desks and committees of people’s organizations, and individual advocates committed to the defense and promotion of people’s rights and civil liberties. It monitors and documents cases of human rights violations, assists and defends victims and conducts education, training and campaign. It was established in 1995.
