Palace: Don’t use yantok vs quarantine violators

Malacañang on Monday cautioned the police against using yantok or rattan sticks to punish violators of COVID-19 safety protocols.

Palace spokesperson Harry Roque said he shares the view of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., who also expressed his opposition to the police’s plan.

“Hindi po pupuwedeng gamitin iyan na pang-hit or pamalo dahil hindi naman po iyan pinapayagan sa ating batas at sa regulasyon ng PNP [Philippine National Police],” Roque said at a news conference.

“Pupuwede pa po siguro to measure social distancing, to make sure one meter, pero hindi po iyan para pampalo ng taumbayan.”

Last Saturday, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said the use of force and actions that might lead to humiliation and trauma is unnecessary.

The commission then asked the government to continue with its information campaign on the hazards of going out amid the pandemic, and implement programs “guided by the sound advice of science and health professionals.”

The CHR also reminded the public to strictly follow the minimum health standards such as physical distancing, wearing of face masks and shields, and frequent hand washing.—AOL, GMA News