MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it is prepared to face any independent investigation into allegations that suspects were tortured in the killing of a Bulacan police officer whose body was found in a septic tank last month.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said standard procedures were followed in the arrest and detention of suspects in the case of SSgt. Renato Casauay Jr.

“The Philippine National Police strictly follows established procedures, especially our existing policy that ensures that the rights of the any accused in a crime is protected,” Nartatez said.

“But we welcome any effort to question the procedure and we are open to any investigation in the spirit of truth and transparency.”

He emphasized that the PNP does not tolerate torture or human rights violations and has strict internal rules to address personnel misconduct. The police force is prepared to submit documents and records should the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) or any oversight body conduct an inquiry.

The statement came after the father of Oliver Mauricio, one of the arrested suspects, reportedly sought assistance from the CHR, claiming his son was illegally arrested and tortured.

Casauay was killed on Jan. 24 in Malolos City, Bulacan, with his remains recovered from a septic tank a week later. Julian Salamat, reportedly the officer’s intelligence asset, has been identified as the suspected gunman.

Police arrested three suspects, including Mauricio, the day Casauay’s body was found. Salamat was later apprehended in Davao del Norte, while two others surrendered. Four more suspects remain at large.