BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) has not received complaints against policemen of Silay City from residents caught flouting health protocols to stem the spread of coronavirus.
Almost two weeks after the Feb. 4 incident, no one has come forward to lodge complaints for the supposed human rights abuses of Silay cops, according to Police Lieutenant Abegael Donasco, NOCPPO spokesperson.
Donasco said no cops have been reprimanded thus far since there is no basis for sanctions.
NOCPPO has also yet to receive the findings of the investigation conducted by the Commission on Human Rights.
Major Rollie Pondevilla, Silay City police chief, earlier said their punishment of the 39 individuals stepping out of their homes without facemask “was acted in good faith.”
“It was for their welfare given that we are still in the middle of the pandemic. Health protocols have to be observed,” said Pondevilla.
Meanwhile, Donasco said the matter was escalated to the Philippine National Police headquarters for review.
Earlier this month, the CHR condemned the Silay City police for parading health protocol violators.
CHR Spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia said addressing the current pandemic must always be guided by human rights principles. She pointed out the current health crisis is a human rights issue, not a mere law enforcement matter.
De Guia also urged law enforcement officers to coordinate with public health experts on how to better explain and ensure compliance to health safety protocols./PN
