MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights will start an investigation into the incident involving a Manila barangay (village) kagawad (councilor) who allegedly ordered a male quarantine violator to undress as punishment.
“Lubos na nababahala ang Komisyon sa mga Karapatang Pantao sa pagpapahubad ng isang barangay kagawad sa isang quarantine violator na nahuli at pagpopost pa ng mga larawan ng nasabing pangyayari sa social media,” CHR spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia said in a statement on Friday.
(The Commission is deeply concerned about the stripping off of clothes ordered by a barangay kagawad to a quarantine violator who was arrested, as well as the posting of his photos on social media.)
“Dahil sa natanggap na impormasyon, iimbestigahan ng CHR ang nasabing insidente,” she added.
(Because of the information we received, the CHR will investigate the incident.)
While De Guia acknowledged that quarantine violations should be sanctioned, she also stressed that punishment that tramples on the human rights of violators will be considered “cruel, inhumane, and degrading treatment” and is a violation of the Republic Act No. 9745 or the Anti-Torture Act.
“Mariing paalala ng Komisyon na hindi nasususpinde ang karapatang pantao kahit may umiiral na national health emergency,” she also said.
(The Commission strongly reminds that human rights are not suspended despite the national health emergency.)
The CHR official likewise reminded government officials, both at the national and local levels, of their duty to uphold and protect the rights and dignity of the people.
She also noted that other local government units observe other practices that respect the human rights of quarantine violators, such as the viewing of videos on the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) so that violators can better understand the importance of following health protocols.
RELATED STORIES
What you need to know when arrested for quarantine violation
CHR cites danger of detaining alleged quarantine violators in small spaces