MANILA – The new directive of President Rodrigo Duterte to rid the streets of tambay (loiterers) requires “clear guidelines” and “safeguards against violation of human rights,” said Sen. Grace Poe.
“The Philippine National Police should orient its enforcers on the ground on how to handle the so-called loiterers, mindful of their rights and exercising the highest degree of restraint that authorities should observe,” Poe said on Wednesday.
Duterte last week ordered law enforcers to round up loiterers on the streets to reduce crime and maintain peace and order.
“Ang mga kriminal dapat diyan, ang mga durugista, they are not supposed to be there,” the President said in a speech. “So my directive is ’pag mag–istambay-istambay diyan, umuwi kayo. Kay ’pag hindi kayo umuwi ihatid ko kayo doon sa opisina ni ano – Pasig. Ako na’ng bahala. Ilagay mo lang diyan. Talian mo iyong kamay pati – ihulog ko iyan diyan sa…”
Poe saw the benefits of this operation. “We want this to succeed so that our streets would be rid of criminals and unscrupulous elements without instilling fear and misery among the public,” she said.
In a speech during the 81st anniversary celebration of the Government Service Insurance System on Tuesday, Duterte slammed those who criticized his anti-tambay order.
“Ngayon, itong human rights, do not tell me what to do. Sabi ko iyong mga istambay paalisin niyo iyan, para ang tao maglakad sa gabi,” the chief executive said.
Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon maintained that vagrancy is not a crime.
“I do not know on what basis the arrests are being made. There must be a crime committed,” Drilon said. “The PNP should know that and they can be liable for arbitrary arrest if they violate the law.”/PN
