Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate. INQUIRER.net file photo / Noy Morcoso
MANILA, Philippines — Three lawmakers in the House of Representatives are seeking an investigation on the death of a curfew violator, Darren Penaredondo, after allegedly being ordered by the police to perform 300 strenuous exercise routines as punishment.
Under House Resolution No. 1697 filed on Wednesday, a copy of which was sent to the media on Thursday, Bayan Muna Reps. Eufemia Cullamat, Carlos Zarate, and Ferdinand Gaite said complaints against police abuse over quarantine violations are “not new.”
“During the first few months of lockdown in March of last year, rights groups have raised concerns over unjust punishment used by police against quarantine violators,” the lawmakers said.
“Reports range from curfew violators locked inside a dog cage in Laguna to quarantine violators made to sit under the seat of the midday sun in Parañaque,” they added.
The lawmakers, citing medical professionals, said that although Penaredondo’s death was ruled to be caused by a stroke triggered by hypertension, physical activities may have been a factor and an underlying condition may have also started the stroke.
“It is imperative for members of Congress, as representatives of our people, to defend the rights of our people and check on excesses and violations committed against them, especially in this time of crisis,” the lawmakers said.
“Laws and rules should serve the interest of our proper, and should not be weaponized to suppress their rights and oppress them,” they added.
The police chief of General Trias City in Cavite province and two other police officers were sacked over Penaredondo’s death after two others arrested for curfew violations submitted sworn statements supporting the narrative that curfew violators were being subjected to physical punishment.
Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Ildebrandi Usana said the incident is now being investigated.