LONDON, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- Amnesty International called on the Philippine government Monday to end routine torture that allegedly took place at a secret police detention facility.
The demand came after the discovery of a cell in a police intelligence facility in Binan where the human rights group alleged in a statement Monday that "officers physically abused inmates for fun."
The Philippines' Commission on Human Rights discovered a roulette wheel, with different torture scenarios described, in use at the site, and reported 44 detainees at the facility had accused at least 10 law enforcement officers of torture and extortion, Amnesty International, based in London, said.
The group's statement gave an example of the torture choices: "A '20-second Manny Pacquiao' meant a detainee would be punched non-stop for 20 seconds."
"For police officers to use torture 'for fun' is despicable," Amnesty International researcher Hazel Galang-Folli said. "These are abhorrent acts. Suspending officers is not enough. Errant police personnel and their commanding officers should be held accountable in a court of law.
"Torture is a criminal act, and the leadership of the Philippine National Police must end its practice within its ranks. The authorities must ensure that torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment is not tolerated."
Amnesty International noted 10 police officers were relieved of their posts after the investigation.
