CHR forensic team conducts autopsy on remains of drug suspect

Commission on Human Rights (CHR) forensic team conducts autopsy on the remains of drug suspect John Jason Montes who was killed together with suspected drug lord Rowen “Yawa” Secretaria during a raid in Banacon Island, Getafe, Bohol. (CDN PHOTO/TONEE DESPOJO)

CEBU CITY–A four man-team of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) forensic division from Manila arrived in Cebu City on Monday afternoon to conduct an autopsy on the remains of John Jason Montes who the police claimed was killed in an alleged shootout in Banacon Island, Getafe town, Bohol on May 28.

Before the autopsy started at 3:18 p.m., Victor Montes Jr., the father of John Jason was interviewed by the forensic team to verify the victim’s medical history.

Based on John Jason’s death certificate, he died due to blood loss, cardiac arrest and multiple gunshot wounds.

Leo Villarino, CHR in Central Visayas investigator, said the autopsy will provide details on the specific cause of the victim’s death.

The CHR investigation stemmed from the request of Montes family who claimed that the victim was in Banacon to play basketball and not to work for suspected drug lord, Rowen Torrefiel Secretaria.

The police claimed that John Jason, 22, was killed with Secretaria and another alleged runner during a shootout that ensued when they raided the drug lord’s lair on the island.

But a 10-year-old witness said John Jason raised his hands in apparent surrender but was still shot by the police.

Victor said they want justice for his son’s death and said John Jason was never involved in drugs.