PNP asks for understanding over confrontations in ECQ enforcement

Philippine National Police spokesperson Brigadier General Bernard Banac on Sunday asked the public for understanding after recent reports of confrontations between the police and civilians.

Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV, Banac pointed out that the police force are just doing their job of enforcing the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) measures.

“’Yung mga naging kaganapan noong mga nakaraang linggo, kung saan sa ilang insidente ay nababatikos ang PNP, tayo naman ay humihingi ng pang-unawa sa publiko,” he said.

Banac also reminded police personnel to be patient and observe discipline as they enforce the measure with maximum tolerance towards civilians.

“Sa ngayon, patuloy ang ating paalala sa ating police frontliners na panatilihin ang disiplina at at haba ng pasensya. Kumbaga, maximum tolerance,” Banac said.

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

Recently, a video circulated in social media showing a police and foreigner having a heated argument over an alleged violation in Makati. Police Senior Master Sergeant Roland Von Madrona tried to arrest Javier Parra, but the foreigner resisted.

Also, retired Army Corporal Winston Ragos, who was mentally challenged, was shot dead by police at a quarantine checkpoint in Quezon City.

Banac encouraged the public to report to authorities if they feel that their rights are being ignored by the police in the enforcement of the quarantine measures.

“Pinapaalala natin sa mga pulis na ‘yung pagpapatupad ng GCQ, ECQ ay pagpapadama ng kalinga at malasakit sa kapwa. Hindi natin ito ginagawa dahil galit tayo na lumalabag ang ilan nating kababayan,” he said.

“Yun lamang, dahil sa pagod at init, talagang expose ang ating frontliners, hindi lamang sa daily stress. Kinakapos minsan ng pasensya,” he added. —Joviland Rita/LBG, GMA News