Netizens Outcry Unfair Justice in Arrest of Fish Vendor for ECQ Violation

Netizens Outcry Unfair Justice, Inhumane Law Enforcement to Fish Vendor

The detention of a fish vendor in Caloocan sparks netizens to outcry double standard and unfair justice between poor and persons in position.

In Facebook post of Vincent Go, a 58-year-old fist vendor Joseph “Dodong” Jimeda from Caloocan City was arrested in Navotas after trying to eke out an honest living to feed his family amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Netizens Outcry Unfair Justice
Image Source: Facebook

Since May 7, Jimeda suddenly went missing and nobody knows where he was and his current situation. It turned out that he was been arrested for violation of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) at the Navotas Fish Port where he buys fish to sell.

According to the Facebook post, Jimeda was arrested after authorities cited him for a lack of valid quarantine pass in Navotas. He only has a quarantine pass of his residence in Caloocan.

No one knows where he is. Jemida does not own a cellular phone nor does his wife, Patring. Since no one knew what happened to him, no one could process his release.

Netizens Outcry Unfair Justice
Image Source: Facebook

It was late in the afternoon of May 14 when they found his situation. The family of Dodong tried to bail him out of detention at the Navotas Sports Complex, however, there was no more to bail him out as the documents were not processed.

On May 15, his family also tried to bail him out and bail was set at P3,500. But the Navotas prosecutor’s office told them that they should present a photo of their home, which they did not have.

Jimeda’s family felt sad but they were left with no other option since the office working hours were also shorter and closes only until 2 p.m. because of the ECQ. Vincent said that there were more than 500 detainees who also have ECQ violations.

It is not a perfect number if physical distancing should be observed during this pandemic to prevent getting infected. He added that detainees’ families have no knowledge of their detention, said Jimeda.

Meanwhile, netizens express resentment and outcry for the double standard and inhumane law enforcement of authorities to poor people comparing to people in position such as NCRPO chief PMGen Debold Sinas who was set to face criminal raps for violating ECQ protocols for celebrating birthday amid pandemic.

But despite charges, Sinas will stay on position and won’t be relieved amid Philippines battle against COVID-19 as PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa defended him and PNP spokesman Brig, Gen Bernard Banac said that top executives are hard to change this public health emergency.

Netizens also compared the situation of Jimeda to that of Sinas, Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) deputy administrator Mocha Uson who were also criticized for violating ECQ rules.

Here are some of their reactions:

READ ALSO: General Sinas May Stay in His Post Amid PH Battle Against COVID-19

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