CHR condemns violent acts against health workers

MANILA, Philippines—The Commission on Human Rights on Wednesday condemned the “senseless” violence committed against health workers who have been stationed in the frontlines in the fight against COVID-19.

“As the country reels from the COVID-19 pandemic, such senseless acts do nothing but endanger the right to life of our health workers who most zealously guard the right to life and health of everyone,” said CHR Commissioner Karen Gomez-Dumpit.

“While keeping us healthy and providing much-needed medical care to those who have fallen ill to the virus, health workers are physically assaulted and discriminated.”

Such incident was reported in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat when five unidentified assailants ganged up on a health worker and threw bleach at his face.

The CHR also said that several health workers are being unlawfully evicted from their residences because of their profession.

“CHR joins the clamor for justice and will investigate these assaults committed against our health workers. We call on everyone to help stop violence and discrimination. Let us support and defend our health workers,” said Gomez-Dumpit.

“We should move beyond hailing our frontline heroes online. We must show that we also care and protect them offline.”