Former Capitol consultant Byron F. Garcia has asked the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to investigate police officers over alleged lapses in the handling of his detention following his arrest earlier this month.
Garcia filed an administrative complaint before the CHR against Police Lieutenant Colonel Homobuno Sayon and other unidentified police personnel, citing what he described as improper consideration of his medical condition while in custody.
He said the complaint centers on his arrest on June 11 at the Talisay City Fish Port, where authorities served a warrant in connection with three counts of alleged violations of the Safe Spaces Act, or the Gender-Based Sexual Harassment Act.
In a press conference on Friday, Garcia recounted the circumstances from the time of his arrest until his transfer to a hospital, alleging several issues during police custody.
He claimed around 30 operatives were involved in serving the warrant and said some officers showed what he described as an overly strict approach during the operation.
“They were very arrogant… unya strikto,” Garcia told reporters.
Garcia said he informed arresting officers that he was suffering from gout linked to uric acid crystals and that his right hand was swollen when handcuffs were applied.
He said he was later brought to the Talisay District Hospital for medical evaluation, where doctors reportedly noted elevated blood sugar levels.
“Na-stress ko kay wa man ko kalibutan ani nga case. So my blood sugar really went up,” he said.
Doctors reportedly assessed whether he should remain in detention or be transferred to a facility where closer medical supervision could be provided due to his condition.
Garcia said he was initially placed in a storage room inside the police compound, where a folding bed and electric fan were provided, but claimed the arrangement was later withdrawn after officers raised concerns about alleged special treatment.
He said he was subsequently moved to a regular detention cell despite his medical condition.
“Sa ako man gud nga condition dapat naa man koy special protection from the custodial police,” he said.
Garcia also alleged that his insulin and other medication were left inside the locked room after his transfer, preventing him from taking his medication for several hours. He claimed his blood sugar later reached 327.
He said doctors eventually recommended his transfer to the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center for further treatment.
Through the complaint, Garcia is seeking a formal investigation into the actions of police personnel involved in his arrest and detention, and raised concerns on the treatment of detainees with medical conditions in custodial facilities.
The CHR complaint comes as Garcia continues to face three criminal charges filed by Dr. Elisse Nicole Catalan, daughter of Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro.
Garcia posted bail on June 13 after spending two nights in police custody, while his arraignment and pre-trial conference are scheduled for July 29, 2026.
Photo by Kaiser Jan Fuentes
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