The Philippine National Police (PNP) will monitor social media posts for possible quarantine violations such as drinking sessions, social gatherings, and other celebrations where social distancing is ignored.
Joint Task Force COVID Shield Commander Police Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar ordered police commanders to monitor the social media for possible quarantine violations made by netizens.
However, the National Union of People’s Laywers (NUPL) opposed the move stating that, “the police cannot just stalk people’s social media posts and messages – especially those with various privacy options – absent legal authority from the courts without violating the constitutional rights to privacy of communications and the Data Privacy Law and other laws and principles”.
The PNP clarified that it will not violate any privacy since it will not enter private accounts.
JTF COVID Shield Commander Eleazar said that they will only monitor viral photos and videos. The public must not fear since they will not immediately arrest those who would violate quarantine protocols.
“Itong mga impormasyon na ito, whether photo or video will be subject to validation muna. Baka mamaya fake ‘yan (This information whether photo or video will still be subject to validation. It might be fake). The picture and video alone cannot be used to file a case.”
Eleazar also pointed out that the PNP will be critical with politicians and personalities who will be caught ignoring the minimum health standards.
Meanwhile, PNP Chief Police General Camilo Cascolan stated, “(With) social media is a responsibility of each individual to place what is right“ – Report from Bea Bernardo
