QC expands Masa Masid system despite CHR’s opposition

The Quezon City government has expanded the coverage of  Masa Masid drop boxes in the barangays despite opposition from the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), a 24 Oras report by Mark Salazar said Monday.

The local government of Quezon City urged the public that instead of gossiping about pieces of information related to illegal drugs and crimes, they should write it down and drop it to boxes outside barangay halls.

"Napakarami sa ating mga mamamayan ang may nalalaman talaga ngunit natatakot na banggitin ang kanilang nalalaman dahil ayaw nilang balikan sila, ayaw nilang madamay pero sa paraan na ito, masasabi nila ang mahahalagang impormasyon na nalalaman nila," said Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte.

Masa Masid stands for "Mamamayang Ayaw sa Anomaliya, Mamamayang Ayaw sa Iligal na Droga," where it allows anonymous tipping of various crimes such as illegal drug trade.

The reports inside the box will be collected every first and last Friday of the month and will be submitted to the technical working group that will assess the information.

The report said information on illegal drugs and crimes will be brought to the Philippine National Police while reports about corruption will be submitted to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Office of the Ombudsman.

"Meron diyang impormasyon na hindi naman totoo. So wala na 'yun. Kung totoo man siya, hindi pa rin basis 'yun to conduct operation. It needs to be explored para makakuha tayo ng evidence later on to be used as basis for our conduct of operation," said Chief Superintendent Guillermo Eleazar, director of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD).

Meanwhile, Councilor Gian Sotto assured the CHR that the scheme will not be abused and that due process will be observed.

"Doon po sa human rights, we assure you na hindi aabusuhin ito. Meron pong proseso na pagdadaanan," Sotto said.

The CHR had expressed apprehension over the scheme's verification process, as there were reports saying some interrogations were done presumptuously. The agency also view the drop boxes as an opportunity for neighbors with personal grudges to retaliate.

Felicito Valmocina, chairman of Barangay Holy Spirit, also voiced concerns over the program. "Ano ba ang pwede naman nating gawing aksyon doon sa mga tao na ginagamit itong paraan na ito para sirain ang matitino namang barangay officials?" he said.

Some church officials, meanwhile, said they support the program.

"Wala kaming objection dito, we even support it and we encourage our people to participate," said Fr. Tony Labiao, vicar general of the Diocese of Novaliches.

"Positive or negative, puwedeng ilagay diyan. Ang mahalaga dito ay 'yung aksyon natin," added Bro. Johnny Cardenasof hte Diocese of Cubao. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK, GMA News