PNP concedes ‘intrusion into privacy’ in enforcing ECQ

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police chief Gen. Archie Gamboa has conceded that security forces may have intruded into people’s privacy in enforcing enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) guidelines but maintained it was necessary.

“As much as possible, the government’s primary consideration is public health and, in a way, as we implement (ECQ guidelines) there are transgressions into private life through checkpoints,” Gamboa said, citing “a higher interest which is public health.”

But police are constantly reminded that “even in ECQ situations, all persons still have privacy rights,” he said.

—JEANNETTE  I. ANDRADE