PNP translates Miranda rights into four languages, 10 dialects

The language barrier should no longer be an excuse for police officers to skip informing suspects about their rights while being arrested.

The Philippine National Police has translated to 10 dialects and four foreign languages the Miranda doctrine that tells a suspect being arrested of his or her rights to remain silent, and have a competent and independent counsel.

Chief Superintendent Dennis Siervo, PNP Human Rights Affairs Office head, said the office had also come up an audio clip that could be downloaded to help the police officers read the Miranda doctrine.

"Natapos na po, na-translate na yung Miranda warning sa 10 dialects sa pilipinas. Liban nito natranslate into four foreign languages at kasama na yung audio translation niya,” Siervo said.

He said the Miranda doctrine, which is usually recited in English, has been translated to Filipino, Ilocano, Kapampangan, Bicolano, Hiligaynon, Waray, Cebuano, Tausug, Maranaw, and Chavacano.

He added there are also translations in Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and Taiwanese.

“Ginawan ko ng audio translation para i-download na lang nila. Ilagay sa smartphone nila at pag may nahuli na foreigner ipe-play na lang nila sa phone kasi syempre hindi naman marunong magbasas ng Korean, Japanese, Chinese, or Taiwanese ang karamihan sa mga pulis natin,” he said.

Aside from Miranda doctine, the HRAO also translated the Anti-Torture warning which reads: “You have the right to demand physical examination by an independent and competent doctor of your choice. If you cannot afford the services of a doctor, the State shall provide one for you.”

“Andun yan in compliance with Republic Act 9745 o Anti-Torture Act. Sinama na namin yung Miranda rights at Anti-Torture warning, dapat basahin yan kapag inaresto yung suspek,” Siervo said.

Siervo said  police officers who would fail to recite the Miranda doctrine would face administrative charges.

“Administrative charges kaagad dahil wala sa proseso, kulang ang ginawa ng pulis. Kapag hindi mo sinabi at hinuli mo lang, labag sa karapatang pantao kasi the person has the right to know why he or she was arrested,” Siervo said.

He added that failure to state the Miranda rights of a suspect usually leads to dismissal of charges.

“Pag hindi binasahan niyang Miranda rights matetechnical, baka madismiss pa yung kaso. Karamihan nadismiss ang kaso, in favor sa suspect. Wala nga lang akong statistics  ngayon dyan,” Siervo said.

“Kasama po ito sa proseso. Kahit nakatingin man o hindi yung Commission on Human Rights gagawin dapat ng miyembro ng kapulisan yan kasi tinatanong yan pag inquest ng nahuli,” he added. —NB, GMA News