Senator Bam said on Monday that he wants to investigate after reports surfaced on illegal inspections and police operations impending the rights and welfare of citizens in various establishments in Katipunan, Quezon City.
“The unannounced inspection of establishment and bag searches by police in Katipunan last September 13 is a clear violation of Article III of the 1987 Constitution that protects citizens from warrantless and unreasonable searches of property,” said Sen. Aquino.
“Pagkatapos ihayag ng Ateneo Blue Babble Battalion ang kanilang paninindigan kontra sa EJKs noong half time ng UAAP basketball game, biglang nagkaroon ng mga search sa tapat ng Ateneo Campus. Pananakot at intimidasyon ba ang kanilang motibo?” asked the Senator.
Senator Aquino filed Senate Resolution No. 503 after police officers conducted surprise searches in bars and randomly inspected bags of the customers inside the establishments without search warrants along Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City on September 13.
He also stressed that owners of the inspected establishments in Katipunan said there was no prior coordination between them and the police, and stated that they do not have an association that would give the police permission to conduct the operation.
“While police claimed that citizen participation is voluntary, they may feel forced to comply out of fear for their own protection and safety,” said Sen. Bam.
Moreover, according to Sen. Aquino, this resolution aims to assess the current campaigns, strategies and practices of the Philippine National Police (PNP) as part of its campaign against illegal drugs.
“We must ensure that these moves won’t lead to the weakening of the rule of law and promote a culture of impunity and abuse among law enforcers,” said Sen. Bam, adding that the rights and welfare of our citizens, especially the youth of the State must be protected at all times. | Angelica Bobiles – PTV
