Zarate seeks independent probe into Makati clash between cop, foreigner

Bayan Muna party-list Representative Carlos Zarate on Monday called for an investigation into the clash between a foreign resident of a posh subdivision in Makati and a police officer supposedly because the former disobeyed authorities implementing quarantine protocols.

In a virtual interview with reporters, Zarate said an independent body should investigate the incident, which almost resulted in the arrest of the foreign national.

"Tingin ko kailangan imbestigahan ito at nananawagan tayo na magkaroon ng isang independent body to investigate on this dahil napakarami nang recorded violations on human rights na nai-report," he said.

"We are calling on the Commission on Human Rights to be proactive in investigating on this case," he added.

According to Zarate, there seemingly was a trend in the use of militaristic and police-state type solutions in the government's action on those who violate quarantine protocols.

This was especially the case in the shooting of a mentally-ill former serviceman Winston Ragos, who ignored police orders to go home due to the enhanced community quarantine, resulting in his death.

"Ang solusyon dito ay hindi yung militarist na solusyon. Sabi nila they will exercise maximum tolerance. Pero several instances nakita natin, hindi natin nakikita yung maximum tolerance just like what happened doon sa case ni Ragos and possibly itong nangyari sa Makati," Zarate said.

In particular, the investigation should look into whether the police officers involved in the Makati incident committed excesses, the lawmaker said.

"Dahil hindi isang justification na, halimbawa may ginawang statement ang isang tao, nagtatanong siya, he is reasoning out bakit ganito ang nangyari, na gagamit ng dahas, huhulihin kaagad. I think mag-aapply pa rin dapat dito yung maximum tolerance," he said.

Makati Police said the foreign resident, identified as Javier Parra, would be charged for alleged violation of Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code (Disobedience to a Lawful Person in Authority), Republic Act 11332 (Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act) and City Ordinance 2000-089, for not wearing a face mask, as well as Direct Assault. — DVM, GMA News