Gamboa on alleged ‘profiling’ of trans women in Makati: They can always refuse police invitation

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa on Monday said individuals may refuse police invitation especially if there is no crime accused against them.

"When you are invited to a police station and a specific crime is being thrown to you personally, that's custodial investigation. The police have all the right to do that, however, after a period of so many hours, an appropriate case must be filed," Gamboa said at a press briefing.

"Kung ang invitation is pure invitation, kung ayaw mo, you can always refuse," Gamboa added. "That person you're inviting can always refuse so kung ayaw ko, di ka puwede pilitin ng pulis unless there's a different reason for you being brought in the police station."

Gamboa's explanation came after he was asked about the Makati City police's alleged "profiling" of transgender women in the area which was called as Oplan X-Men.

According to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), it will investigate the matter.

"While we recognize that there may be incidences when inviting individuals to a police station falls within the ambit of legitimate police duty, the public should, nevertheless, be cautious in agreeing to such request as it may be used to effect a warrantless arrest," the CHR said in a statement.

"Our police officers are equally reminded that arresting individuals cannot be made based on whim and must follow strict guidelines, even detailed in the Philippine National Police’s ‘Know Your Rights: A Citizen’s Primer on Law Enforcement,'" it added.

Gamboa vowed the PNP leadership would look into the operation of the Makati Police.

"We will find out the mechanics. Baka pinaghuhugutan nila is baka LGU (local government unit). May pinaghuhugutan 'yan, di naman nila basta basta gagawin," Gamboa said. — RSJ, GMA News