CHR to police: Do not destroy your credibility

THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in Negros Occidental reminded on Monday, September 9, members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the province not to destroy their own credibility with the public.

CHR-Negros Occidental head Romeo Baldevarona made the statement after an incident in Luzon wherein cops allegedly ordered suspects to strip naked and to bend over in front of them.

Baldevarona said such an incident is notoriously offensive and violates Republic Act 9745, otherwise known as the Anti-Torture Act of 2009.

Baldevarona pointed out that even if the suspect is arrested, the police must always respect humans rights and should treat the suspects innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.

The local CHR head said they have not received any similar complaints in Negros Occidental, although he recalled one incident wherein a woman was nabbed after she tried to smuggle illegal drugs by hiding it in her genitalia.

Baldevarona said in that specific incident, the suspect did not file a complaint as law enforcement personnel followed proper procedures.