CHR commends PNP decision to stop parading suspects

The Commission on Human Rights has commended the decision of the Philippine National Police to stop presenting arrested suspects before the media, saying that such directive complies with human rights standards.

"The Commission on Human Rights welcomes the directive of PNP chief [Director General Oscar] Albayalde not to present persons deprived of liberty to the media which conforms with a CHR advisory issued in the past," CHR spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline Ann De Guia said in a statement on Wednesday.

De Guia said this order is also in "consonance with human rights standards particularly on due process and presumption of innocence."

The CHR on its Facebook account further showed its support toward the decision by posting an "OK" card, which is a "stamp of approval for positive policies and programs implemented by the government."

On Monday, Albayalde ordered his men to comply with a memorandum by former PNP chief Jesus Verzosa in 2008 where he stopped the practice of parading arrested suspects before the media.

It was stated under the memorandum that "suspects arrested for any violation of the law shall in no case be presented in a 'firing line' to the media."

Police personnel who will be found violating the said guideline "shall be administratively charged for less grave neglect of duty."

The country's top was prompted to reinforce the existing 10-year policy after the new PNP  spokesperson and Public Information Office chief Senior Superintendent Benigno Durana Jr. reminded him about it.

Asked on whether the PNP has violated the right of suspects for years due to its failure to implement such policy, Albayalde reasoned out that they did not receive a single complaint filed against them.

"I think hindi naman, wala, so far wala namang nag-complain sa atin ng ganyan eh. Not a single complaint was filed," he said. — RSJ, GMA News