DPS accused of illegal search

Posted on Dec 14 1999

A Filipino who is facing theft charges on the island-municipality of Tinian has accused the Department of Public Safety of unlawful search and seizure when police officers confiscated her savings and checking account records.

A complaint filed by Arlene T. Liban said she was arrested in the early morning hours on Feb. 28, 1999 and later on questioned by Police Officer Eddie Chen.

Ms. Liban, who was represented by the Office of Public Defender, said she was not even informed of her right to contact the Philippine Consular Office as required under Art. 36 of the Vienna Convention. Until now, no DPS official has even advised the Philippine Consulate Office that she was detained at DPS.

During the time of her arrest, Ms. Liban wanted to have the assistance of a Consular Official with whom she could speak regarding her rights. The police interview was also conducted in English, a language she was not even fluent to use in communicating.

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