ILOILO City – No more lovey-dovey gestures outdoors?
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in Region 6 wanted to know the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) legal basis for prohibiting public display of affection (PDA) such as hugging, kissing and holding hands.
“Wala man laye nga naga-prohibit diri,” said CHR-6 director Jonnie Dabuco.
PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Ildebrandi Usana said on Wednesday said couples – even close friends or family members – should eschew PDA to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Dabuco wondered if the PNP’s move had scientific basis.
“It’s confusing,” he told Panay News. “Confusing sa part sang public kag sa police mismo nga mag-implement sini.”
He added: “We are not aware nga may amo na nga study…nga isa ina sa mga factors nga naga-result sa pagtaas sang cases sang COVID-19.”
Dabuco urged the police to base its action on facts and science “para mas klaro” even if the PNP clarified there would be “no apprehension…violating couples would just be called out.”
“Tani indi lang nga daw spur-of-the-moment decision… nga gulpi lang nga pronouncement,” he said.
Dabuco also wondered about the practicality of the prohibition.
“Ti pa’no ni kay kun magpauli sila sa balay, updanay man sila gihapon? Sa tululogan upod man sila,” he pointed out.
Instead of calling out couples, Dabuco said it would be better to just remind couples of the minimum health and safety protocols such as the wearing of facemasks and face shields and washing of hands, among others.
“Dapat klaro kita kon ano ang connection sang ining direktiba sa intended nga purpose which is to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” he stressed.
PNP chief Debold Sinas, meanwhile, said the policy on PDAs has long been in place and the police were strictly implementing it amid the COVID-19 pandemic./PN
