Ensure human rights of detainees -- Bartolome

Written by : Alfred Dalizon

MAMANG PULIS -- PHILIPPINE National Police chief Director General Nicanor A. Bartolome has reiterated the PNP policy to ensure the humane treatment of persons undergoing custodial investigation as part of his human rights’ promotion program.

“I cannot agree more with the fact that human rights are an important aspect of law enforcement as the promotion of rights-based policing is one of my 10-point administrative and operational priorities,” Bartolome said.

The PNP chief also emphasized that he intends to achieve the full development of human rights desk in all police stations in the country. “Strict adherence to the basic tenets of human rights will be implemented giving emphasis to our police operational procedures,” said Gen. Bartolome as he assured Commission on Human Rights Chairperson Loretta Ann P. Rosales of the PNP’s full support to the CHR advocacy.

One of the major components of the PNP program to prevent and control human rights violations is the random inspection of lock-up cells and the regular conduct of inventory of detainees to ensure that persons under custody are treated in a humane and dignified manner and to uphold their individual rights pursuant to human rights standards and existing laws.

At present, all concerned police officials are under orders to conduct regular inspection of their lock-up cells to ensure that there will be no violations of the rights of persons detained pursuant to existing laws with emphasis, but not limited to the following guidelines:

a) Lock-up cells should be well-lighted and ventilated; b) Separate detention cells should be provided for male and female detainees; c) Juveniles and mentally-deranged persons should not be detained; d) All detainees should have access to basic needs and necessities; e) Arrested persons should be subjected to medical examination prior detention. Those with serious injuries or diseases should not be detained and should be given immediate medical treatment; f) Health condition and well-being of detainees should be constantly monitored. Those suffering from illnesses should be given immediate medical attention; g) All detainees shall have visitation rights by those persons provided for by law (Republic Act 7438); h) Arrested persons should not be detained beyond the reglamentary period as prescribed by law; and i) Detainees who cannot afford the services of a legal counsel should be provided with one, free of charge.

PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Agrimero A. Cruz Jr. said the PNP will not tolerate any human rights violation and would see to it that the guilty parties are identified and charged in court.

Cruz said Gen. Bartolome has strictly ordered all PNP officers and men to comply with the landmark Juvenile Justice and Welfare Law which forbids the jailing of children who are in conflict with the law.


(2011-9-22/journal.com.ph)