(We yield this space to the statement of human rights alliance Karapatan-Panay due to its timeliness. – Ed.)
IN LINE with the implementation of an enhanced community quarantine, Karapatan-Panay is alarmed over the arrest of the increasing number of persons for violation of curfew in Iloilo City and other places on recent nights.
Violators of the 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew, including a few minors, were rounded up by the police and brought to plazas where they were lined up and displayed before the media. They were released after hours of sitting on hard concrete while getting a scolding from the policemen.
This treatment of curfew violators is excessive, Karapatan-Panay believes. It is not martial law that is being imposed but a limitation on movement aimed at preventing the spread of coronavirus. The government officials themselves said violators will not be arrested except when they become violent against law enforcers.
It should be clear to law enforcers that curfew is meant to supplement the community quarantine being implemented. Also, steps should be taken to ensure that everyone in the community are informed of the importance of staying at home especially at night.
Instead of herding curfew violators in one place where they could be exposed to infection, they should only be told to return home and made to understand why it is necessary that they stay inside. Minors should immediately be turned over to their parents. Barangay officials should be oriented well so they can lead the whole community in meaningful ways to help prevent the spread of this epidemic. Moreover, support should be given to earners who make a living during the night.
Compassion was extended to Sen. Koko Pimentel even when his imprudence placed the health and safety of many in grave peril. Why can’t the same be extended to lowly curfew violators whose offense is comparatively much much lighter?
It is unfortunate that we have not yet seen a comprehensive and cohesive national plan to solve the present COVID-19 epidemic, despite the death of 88 from among ordinary citizens and frontline health practitioners. Employing repressive measures against citizens does not help. Instead, authorities should evolve measures to raise the people’s awareness of the magnitude of the crisis and convince them to contribute to solving it.
