IN THE contemporary law enforcement world, police training on human rights is as essential as the years of training required to produce surgeons or for lawyers to have experience in the courts.
Although police enforcers are trained to handle situations concerning human rights, it is still important for them to relearn or review legalities that will guide them effectively in protecting or safeguarding the people.
Through the initiative and funding of the Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU)–Central Against Illegal drugs (Caid) and Ateneo Public Interest and Legal Advocacy (Apila), a three-day training on Rights-Based Policing, which was participated by police officers of Region 11, was held last June 13-16, 2017 at the Secdea Beach Resort in the Island Garden of City of Samal (Igacos).
During the first day, Caid Director Roawie Quimba presented about Caid’s four programs namely Healing and Recovery for Surenderees/Reformists (Herds), 24/7 Drug & Referral Helpline, Human Rights Training and Rights-Based Policing and the Mindanao Drug Trade Research: Linking the local to the Global.
Lunar Fayloga also facilitated an interactive session on the first day. Fundamentals of Human Rights (HR) were also discussed by lawyer Romeo Cabarde Jr. The topic on Policing from a Human Rights Perspectives was also presented by lawyer Arnold Abejaron.
He said that what constituted HR violations are the acts that transgressed established rights or entitlement given to individuals. The day ended with lawyer Gil Garcia focusing on the topic on human rights analysis on obligations to respect and protect. He shared comprehensively the 10 basic International Human Rights Standards for Law Enforcement.
On day two, three brilliant lawyers, lawyer Edgar Pascua II, lawyer Thomas Kristino Caharian and lawyer Louwe Padillo, discussed about Human Rights Policing specifically on the prohibition of torture and resorting to inhumane and degrading treatment for punishments including diversity, equality and non-discrimination and human rights of police officers.
On the last day of the training, the anatomy of a rights–based police officer was also presented by Caid Herds program head Dr. Melba Manapol. It was then followed by a planning session.
When Police Superintendent Jeffrey Pasana Razonable, Regional Police Human Rights Officer of Human Rights Affairs Office II, was asked how beneficial and helpful the training was, he said that the Philippine National Police (PNP) is so fortunate to be re-oriented about human rights and law enforcement as it is essential in protecting others and themselves in the exercise of their profession.
He added that since it is a mandate for the PNP to protect humanity, sensitivity and observance of human rights is truly vital. He also shared that they will also re-echo what they have learned to the other PNP members very soon.
Congratulations to all the PNP participants who have completed the modules 1 to 8 training and to ADDU–Caid for providing the best and comprehensive training on Rights-Based Policing.
Truly, Caid cares!