PNP to work with CHR to ensure lawful arrests

The Philippine National Police (PNP) plans to collaborate with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to ensure that police operations are undertaken legally, spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo said Sunday.

Fajardo made the statement after CHR raised its concern over the directive of Police Major General Nicolas Torre III, the newly installed PNP chief.

LIVE sa DZBB: PBGen. Jean Fajardo, spokesperson, Philippine National Police

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“Dati kasi may perception na hindi nagkakasundo ang PNP at CHR kasi nagbabantay na tumutupad sa sworn duty to protect human rights,” Fajardo told Super Radyo dzBB.

(Before, there was a perception that the PNP and CHR did not get along because they made sure we fulfilled our sworn duty to protect human rights.)

“Bukas, pupuntahan ni PNP Chief ang CHR para magpaliwanag dahil nagkaroon ng negative interpretation ang sinabi niyang paramihan ng huli,” she added.

(Tomorrow, the PNP chief will meet with CHR to explain what he said since there was a negative interpretation of the number of arrests.)

CHR earlier said it believes that the number of arrests should not measure a police personnel’s performance, but instead, it should be measured by checking who underwent the right process of arrest.

The remark came after Torre stated that a police officer's arrest record would be considered when deciding whether or not to promote him or her.

Responding to CHR, the PNP assured that any arrests made by its officers must have a legal basis.

Fajardo added the CHR is welcome to observe the arrest procedure of the police.

“Kung gusto nila mag observe kung paano nanghuhuli ang mga pulis, kung paano nagbabantay sa kalsada ang mga pulis, [they are welcome] para makita nila kung may dapat iimprove, dapat icorrect sa hanay ng kapulisan,” Fajardo said.

(If they want to observe how the police conduct arrests, they are welcome to do so so that they can see if there is something we need to improve and correct.)

She added that this is also applicable in other regions across the country.

Fajardo noted that a memorandum of understanding is possible between the PNP and CHR to strengthen the coordination between the two agencies. —RF, GMA Integrated News