‘Profiling’ op? Gabriela officer hits PNP request for list of building tenants

MANILA, Philippines — Even a legislative officer of the progressive party-list Gabriela Women’s Party has experienced what appeared to be another “profiling operation” of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Carlos Maningat said he had received a notice stating that the PNP has requested the complete list of tenants of GSIS Metrohomes Phase I, in Barangay 628, Sta. Mesa, Manila last Monday.

“Notice was distributed two days ago, along with a form,” Maningat told INQUIRER.net in a message Wednesday.

Building officials also requested copies of residents’ government ID, school ID or birth certificate with a picture.

“The PNP has requested this in order to identify local residents of the areas in case of any untoward incidences, and also for building officers to identify residents within its buildings,” the notice reads.

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Maningat said the “vaguely” justified data request “disregards the tenant’s right to privacy.”

“I’m not sure how profiling will lead to crime prevention and fulfillment of PNP’s mandate,” he said, stressing that instead of profiling tenants, the PNP should profile its ranks “to spot sexual abusers and corrupt personnel.”

In an interview with ANC on Tuesday, PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Benigno Durana Jr. said the request could be an effort by the local police and not from the PNP headquarters. He said it was “part of the police community relations project designed to promote peace and order.”

PNP Director General Oscar Albayalde earlier confirmed that some intelligence officers were profiling members of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers– a move that various progressive groups, like the House Makabayan bloc, condemned.

READ: PNP confirms intel operation vs ACT teachers

Opposition lawmaker Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman said even non-profit organizations like foundations and nongovernment organizations are also subjected to profiling and witch-hunt by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under SEC Memorandum Circular No. 15 dated Nov. 7, 2018.

Under the “pretext of protecting these organizations from money laundering and terrorist financing abuse,” Lagman said they are required to submit to the SEC the sources of their financing, utilization of their funds, and the activities they undertake.

“The scheme violates the following basic rights and fundamental freedoms, among others: association, expression, dissent, pursuit of legitimate advocacies, and the right to privacy,” Lagman said, adding that it is also a “crackdown on defense of human rights.” /je