By Jennifer P. Rendon
Health protocol violators in Silay City, Negros Occidental were only made to practice social distancing.
It was not even a “zombie walk,” the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) said.
Instead, “they were made to raise their arms while walking to maintain an arm’s length distance,” Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong, PRO-6 spokesperson, said.
According to Silay City PNP, Malong said the 39 persons were caught violating health protocols.
“There was no intention to shame them. Because of the number of violators, they could not be placed inside the detention cell. They were made to transfer to the nearby multi-purpose hall,” she said.
They were made to walk for just 20 meters with their arms raised.
Earlier reports said that violators of COVID-related health protocols were made to do the “zombie walk” as part of their penalties.
They also attended a seminar to refresh them on the rules aimed at slowing the pandemic.
A “coffin” was displayed at the venue to remind them of the stark fate awaiting them if they disobey the rules.
Malong said that violators were later given facemasks and face shields. The P1,000 fine was waived.
Malong said PRO-6 is open to the Commission on Human Rights investigating the incident.
“I heard that the CHR already went there to investigate. Initially, they found no complainant and no violation among our policemen,” he said.
In a press release last week, the CHR took cognizance of the video of quarantine violators being paraded on the street of Silay City
“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,” they said.
The statement added that CHR- Region VI will conduct a probe 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 penalized by Republic Act No. 9745 (Anti-Torture Act) and barred by Convention Against Torture signed by the Philippines.”
Further, “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.”
