PNP assures proper procedures, respect for human rights in campaign vs. 'tambays'

Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Albayalde on Saturday assured that the enforcement of President Rodrigo Duterte's order against loiterers on the streets or "mga tambay" will follow proper procedures and will respect human rights.

"Alam naman po nila [police] na meron tayong sinusunod na police operational procedures. Palagi pong nandiyan 'yan at ang respect for human rights ay palagi pong paramount 'yan. At alam naman po ng ating mga kapulisan 'yan," Albayalde said in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB.

Duterte has issued a directive to the PNP to step up its campaign against loiterers on the streets whom he viewed as “potential trouble for the public.” 

The President said the streets were for law-abiding citizens and should not be a haven for drug users and criminals.

This directive drew mixed reactions after the chief executive appeared to have suggested throwing into the Pasig River loiterers who resist orders to go home.

Albayalde reiterated that the crackdown against loiterers including those who are drinking liquor on the streets and roaming half-naked has already been ongoing even before the President has given a directive.

"At wala naman pong bago sa sinasabi ng ating Pangulo na hulihin dahil noong ako ay RD [regional director] ng NCR [National Capital Region] talagang hinuhuli na natin 'yan. Kita niyo meron kaming Oplan RODY (Rid the Streets of Drunkards and Youths)," the PNP chief said.

Malacañang also defended Duterte's directive, saying it is a measure to keep the streets free from criminals.  

The PNP chief, for his part, said that the order was also for the sake of "tambays."

"Para din naman 'yan sa kanilang safety. Hindi naman [lang] para sa ibang tao, para na din naman sa kanila 'yon," Albayalde said. —Ted Cordero/KG, GMA News