CHR: Metro Manila quarantine ‘justified’ but guidelines must be clear

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Friday backed the imposition of “community quarantine” on entire Metro Manila but said guidelines on the order should be made clear immediately.

CHR spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia said the government’s decision to place Metro Manila under community quarantine – which President Rodrigo Duterte eventually called a lockdown – is “justified” since it is in line with efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19.

“The Commission on Human Rights recognizes that the imposition of community quarantine in Metro Manila, as well as in affected cities and/or municipalities, are necessary steps to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19),” De Guia said in a statement.

“As gleaned in the case of other countries where COVID-19 spread dramatically, the need for community quarantine and stringent social distancing measures are justified in the interest of public health and [the] common good,” De Guia added.

However, De Guia said guidelines on the implementation of the quarantine should be clear, noting that penalties, if there are any, for those who would violate them should remain within the bounds of the law.

“The recommendations of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases provide only the broad declarations, which the military and police can enforce,” De Guia said.

“To ensure proper enforcement and prevent undue public panic during the month-long community quarantine, clear-cut guidelines that contemplate all possible scenarios need to be expediently issued and widely disseminated,” she added.

CHR also called for “social safety nets and cash assistance” for those that will be affected by the quarantine – such as those who rely on daily wages and laborers who cannot operate in a work-from-home arrangement.

“Those living in depressed areas, as well as laborers whose jobs are not flexible for work-from-home arrangement, are also at high risk in terms of contracting the virus as well as in bearing the brunt of its economic impact,” De Guia said.

Further, De Guia called on the government to be “more aggressive” because “detection is paramount in preventing the transmission of the virus.”

“It is also incumbent upon the State to ensure sufficient supply of basic needs, such as food, water, hygiene kits, among others. Reliable means of communication and transportation, as well as credible and regular information, are also critical services that the public needs during these trying times,” she also said.

“As the government focuses on the details of its implementation, our call is to always put human rights at the center of its efforts,” she added.

Duterte on Thursday night announced that Metro Manila will be placed under community quarantine following the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases as more cases of COVID-19 are confirmed in the Philippines.

There are 52 confirmed cases of the disease in the country, including five deaths, and majority of them were admitted to different hospitals across Metro Manila.

KGA