The Police Regional Office III (PRO-3) has assured the public that the arrest of several Aeta individuals during a protest at the Mount Pinatubo crater in Capas, Tarlac on April 18 was conducted "legally with full respect for cultural and human rights."
The PRO3 made the assurance after the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) sought an explanation from law enforcement units regarding the propriety of the arrest of indigenous people “who were peacefully airing their grievances within their ancestral domain.”
The police regional office said the arrests were based on alleged violations of local ordinances and national laws, including obstruction of public passage and unauthorized entry into an environmentally protected area.
The Capas Municipal Police Station earlier said the arrests were carried out in accordance with police operational procedures to ensure that the rights of those involved were protected.
“Ang lahat ng aksyon na isinagawa ng ating mga tauhan ay alinsunod sa umiiral na batas, kabilang na ang Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (RA 8371), at mga patnubay ng PNP hinggil sa makataong pagtrato sa mga nasa kustodiya,” said Brigadier General Jean Fajardo, PRO-3 director.
“Kinilala namin ang mga isyung binanggit ng NCIP at muli naming pinagtitibay ang aming pangakong pangalagaan ang karapatan ng mga katutubong pamayanan habang pinapanatili ang kaligtasan ng publiko," she added.
The PRO 3 said it is currently reviewing the incident and compiling all relevant reports and documents to provide an accurate and objective account.
The police office added that a dialogue with NCIP and other concerned groups is being organized to "address concerns, promote mutual understanding, and pursue constructive solutions."
The PRO 3 also assured that community immersion programs and conduct refresher training will be implemented for its personnel through the Regional Community Affairs and Development Division (RCADD).
This is aimed to strengthen engagement and cultural sensitivity when working with indigenous communities, it stated.