Despite the ongoing investigation by the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has started its own probe on the abuses reportedly committed by policemen against a minor and a waiter in Mindanao. In a statement, the CHR cited the cases of a 16-year-old minor who was allegedly maltreated by three policemen in Don Marcelino town in Davao Occidental, and a waiter who died while being escorted by police officers in Zamboanga City. Based on reports, the CHR said that the minor went to the police station to report the physical abuse by his father.  It said that instead of getting the needed assistance, the policemen took him to a dark room, poured a solution of vinegar and chili on his private part, and threatened him to keep his silence. In the case of the waiter, the CHR said he figured in a heated argument and later a fistfight with a retired police major who was not given a bottle of beer since the latter is a stroke survivor. The CHR expressed its grave concern over the two incidents. It pointed out that policemen are supposed to be duty-bearers who "serve and protect" people and “not perpetrators of human rights violations against vulnerable individuals such as minors and service workers.” "It is expected that police officers exercise their authority in accordance with the rules and standards required of public officers. Respecting the rights and dignity of individuals is a basic requirement in the conduct of their duty," it stressed. "CHR welcomes the action of the Police Regional Office XI to file criminal and administrative charges against the three police officers who allegedly committed cruel acts to a minor in Davao Occidental. Similarly, we acknowledge the investigation being done by the PNP Regional Internal Affairs Service on the death of the waiter in Zamboanga City," it said.