CHR Airs Concern On Pres. Duterte’s Order To Arrest Those Not Wearing Face Mask Properly
CHR – The Commission on Human Rights reacted to the arrest order of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to the police over improper face mask.
Now, there is a bigger battle for the Philippines with regards to the COVID-19 crisis. The national government said that funds are depleting and it is amid the increasing cases of coronavirus in the country.
There is now a total of over one (1) million cases of COVID-19 logged in the Philippines. For several weeks now, the country is recording at least 8,000 new cases of the disease daily which resulted to a spike in the total count and hospitals filling up.
Several hospitals in Metro Manila went beyond their capacity already. Tagged as the epicenter of the spread of the virus, the whole Metro Manila is currently under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) until May 14.
In his latest address to the nation, Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte spoke about his order to the police over individuals who are not wearing their face masks properly. According to the Chief Executive, he told the police to arrest these people, detain them, and investigate why they are doing it.
visit: Duterte on PH’s COVID-19 Problem: “Ako dito hirap na hirap, pawala na iyong pera natin”
Based on a report on ABS-CBN News, prior to the statement of the President, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said they have not arrested a protocol violator during the recent ECQ in NCR. The Department of Justice (DOJ) also showed support on making the violators do community service instead.
Following the order of Pres. Duterte eliciting different reactions, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) gave its side on the issue. According to the report, Human Rights spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline De Guia aired their concern that without proper guidelines, the order may be prone to “excessive discretion”.
The Commission also cited the overcrowded situation in jails and detention facilities in the Philippines. According to De Guia, it may not sit well in the pursuit to stop the spread of COVID-19.
To address the concerns, the DOJ expressed that they will come up with guidelines together with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
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