A video was posted on social media on Friday, 5 February 2021, by the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Silay City showing a group apprehended for allegedly violating the city ordinance mandating the wearing of face masks.
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) agree that we need to continuously need to work together to curb the transmission of the Covid-19 virus by faithfully adhering to health safety protocols set by experts. However, as we have repeatedly stressed, addressing the current pandemic must always be guided by human rights principles. After all, the present national health crisis is a human rights issue—not a mere law enforcement agenda.
CHR’s office in Region VI shall be conducting a probe on this incident to also hear the side of PNP Silay City.
We continuously remind law enforcers to adhere to human rights-based policing, including respect for every person’s dignity. Parading alleged quarantine violators on the streets may amount to cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment or punishment penalised by Republic Act No. 9745 (Anti-Torture Act) and barred by Convention Against Torture signed by the Philippines.
Human rights must always rest at the core of law enforcement. We urge law enforcement officers to also coordinate with public health experts on how to better explain and ensure compliance to health safety protocols amidst the pandemic. At the same time, we look forward to the cooperation of the PNP in Silay City towards addressing this human rights concern.
