Profiling of community pantry organizers illegal — NUPL

A group of human rights lawyers on Tuesday criticized the alleged police profiling of community pantry organizers, saying it violates constitutional rights.

“There is no legal obligation or requirement to accomplish such forms. You have the right to - nicely but firmly - decline,” said National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) president Edre Olalia.

“There is no applicable law or ordinance authorizing it. As a matter of fact, it is in violation of basic constitutional rights,” he added.

The NUPL then urged lawyers and law students “to take turns in helping protect community pantries from police harassment.”

Olalia’s statement came a day after Anna Patricia Non, the organizer of the Maginhawa Community Pantry, which kickstarted the recent trend, said they would temporarily halt operations for the safety of its volunteers due to the alleged red tagging.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Debold Sinas has denied the allegations, adding they have no intention to interfere with the activities of the community pantries.

"Of particular consideration is the observance of public health standards when there is [a] gathering of 10 or more persons that builds up a crowd," Sinas said. -MDM, GMA News