Palace wants details on alleged human rights violations linked to ECQ
MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang is asking for details on incidents of alleged human rights violations committed within local government units (LGUs) amid the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), saying it would be looking into these.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said on Sunday that while they give credit to the efforts of LGUs in containing the coronavirus pandemic, the administration also noted concerns on possible human rights violations being committed against those who violate the ECQ rules.
“We give due credit to these efforts happening on the ground, along with other interventions, in order to make the ECQ effective in containing the spread of the coronavirus 2019,” Roque said in a statement.
“There are, however, concerns on alleged human rights violations by LGUs against ECQ offenders who disobeyed the rules and health protocols. As we are not fully aware of the details of such violations, we will appreciate receipt of detailed information of the same for proper action by the appropriate agencies,” he added.
Roque has assured that the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) which has supervision over local government units and the national police, is committed to upholding human rights.
“In addition, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), which supervises both the LGUs and the Philippine National Police (PNP), is committed to upholding human rights at all times and will not tolerate any violation during this period of ECQ,” Roque said.
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After Luzon and other areas were placed under the ECQ following the rise in COVID-19 cases, mass transportation and work except for frontline workers like those in healthcare services were suspended.
Travel restrictions were also enforced, along with physical distancing to avoid the transmission of the coronavirus disease.
However, there are some who violate the rules of the ECQ. Human rights advocacy groups have noted that the rights of ECQ violators may have been violated through the imposition of some penalties.
In one instance, a barangay official drew flak after asking curfew violators to dance provocatively and kiss each other on the lips. Meanwhile, other LGUs were also criticized for punishing those who violate the ECQ by forcing them to sit under the heat of the sun for several minutes.
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) meanwhile has launched a probe on these incidents.
READ: CHR probing human rights concerns on curfew penalties in Pampanga town
Roque, who is also a human rights lawyer, explained that LGUs have appeared now more strict in the enforcement of the ECQ.
“Under the current circumstances we are in, the LGUs enforce the law as reasonably strict as possible for the full protection of our people,” Roque said.
“While such protection measures spell the difference between life and death, they are implemented well within the rule of law, and are respectful of the human dignity and human rights of everyone,” he added.
As of Sunday afternoon, the Department of Health (DOH) said there are now 6,259 COVID-19 positive cases in the country. Of this number, 409 have died while at least 572 have recovered.
Worldwide, over 2.33 million have been infected, while 155,689 have died of the disease, with 599,692 recoveries.
READ: DOH: PH now has over 6,000 people positive for COVID-19 virus
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