Pulis-Cebu na nanghataw ng quarantine violator sibak, haharap sa 'torture law'

MANILA, Philippines — Kinumpirma ng Philippine National Police, Miyerkules, ang kaso ng panghahambalos diumano ng isang alagad ng batas sa Visayas matapos lumabag sa health protocols kontra COVID-19 ang isang manggagawa.

Nag-trend kasi ngayong araw online ang pasa-pasang litrato ng isang kargador sa Carbon Public Market, Cebu City matapos "mahataw ng paddle" ni PCPL Nickson Miranda, ika-8 ng Pebrero, 2021.

Sa panayam kanina ng PSN, sinabi ni PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Idebrandi Usana na nakausap na nila ang city director ng Cebu at dinisarmahan ang suspek, habang gumugulong ang administrative investigation.

"Violation po 'yun ng RA 9745, 'yung Anti-Torture law po. Criminal po 'yun ah. Sa administrative naman ho, that is serious misconduct po [at conduct unbecoming of a police officer]," ani Usana.

"Actually, ni-request na rin po nila 'yung biktima na makapunta po sa police station para makunan po ng statement. Kakasuhan po nila motu propio po itong si... Miranda po."

Nangyari ang insidente dalawang buwan matapos sabihin ni Joint Task Force COVID-19 Shield chief Police Lt. Gen. Cesar Binag na "papaluin ng yantok" ang mga hindi sumusunod sa COVID-19 health protocols.

'Yan ay kahit na sinabi na noon ni Usana na walang polisiya ng pamamalo si PNP chief Gen. Debold Sinas.

Basahin: Pasaway sa COVID-19 health protocols 'mahahataw ng yantok' — JTF commander

Tanggal muna sa pwesto

"He [Miranda] has already been relieved pending result of precharge [investigation] of the city internal affairs division on his case," patuloy ng tagapagsalita ng kapulisan.

"He was disarmed and placed at the admin [office] while his case is being processed."

Una nang binatikos ng Commission on Human Rights (CHR) noong Disyembre ang banta noon ni Binag na hahampasin ng patpat na yari sa rattan ang mga sumusuway sa gitna ng pandemya.

Ayon kay CHR spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia, hindi ito ang pinakamainam na solusyon habang sinasalanta ng COVID-19 ang Pilipinas.

May kinalaman: Hitting quarantine violators with sticks ‘not the best way to address pandemic’ — CHR

"[W]e wish to caution the government against unnecessary use of force and actions that may lead to humiliation and trauma. Violence, even in its slightest suggestion, is not the best way to address the pandemic," sabi niya.

"We recognize that the unknown nature of the pandemic has pushed others, including the government, into devising different, novel ways in enforcing health safety protocols so as to prevent COVID-19 infection among the population. However, the [CHR] has repeatedly stressed the importance of respecting the human rights and dignity of all as we address this health crisis."