PNP eyes usage of tasers against ‘violent’ ECQ violators

The chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said the use of tasers is being considered to deal with "violent" violators of the enhanced community quarantine guidelines.

"Yes, it's part of the plan of the PNP. Ang tawag namin dito is non-violent or those equipment other than the firearm, meron nga 'yung mga taser and then meron pa 'yung mechanized na parang iipunin niya 'yung tao at gamit ang makina," Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa said in a virtual press briefing.

"All of these things are being evaluated by the Directorate of Logistics under the procurement management community who deliberates on what to procure," Gamboa added.

Gamboa also said a newly-crafted PNP action plan is being prepared to strategize police operations and administration following the extension of enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila and other areas.

Guidelines in implementing the general community quarantine in other areas are being readied too, Gamboa said.

The PNP chief's remark came after law enforcers and civilians had figured in physical altercations during the previous days.

The latest incident was in Dasmariñas Village in Makati City where a cop dragged a foreign resident to the ground after the latter verbally abused and disobeyed the authorities.

Another incident transpired at a posh condominium in Taguig City where armed cops allegedly shouted at residents for supposed social distancing violations.

The High Commissioner for Human Rights of the United Nations has raised alarm over the government’s “highly militarized response” to violators of the enhanced community quarantine.

UN High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet noted that her office has received reports from different regions about government forces using excessive and lethal force to punish quarantine violators.

In response, Gamboa said the police organization is always open for probe when it comes to accusations of human rights violations supposedly committed by their personnel.

"All those who are accusing the PNP na marami kaming naviolate na human rights, we're open for you to investigate the Philippine National Police," Gamboa said.

"On our part, we keep on reminding our policemen and if ever mayroong incidents na mangyari, kami naman ay nagkakaroon ng impartial investigation..." he added. — RSJ, GMA News