The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has asked the police to respect human rights when they enforce the gun ban, which started 10 January.

CHR Chairwoman Leila M. de Lima said "the idea of checkpoints to enforce the gun ban in order to minimize political violence during the current election period can be an effective tool for peace and order."

"However, good intentions do not justify human rights violations and abuse of police power," she added.

CHR welcomed reports that Director General Jesus Verzosa of the Philippine National Police (PNP) had ordered his personnel to respect the constitutional rights of those arrested for violation of the gun ban.

De Lima said the rights of all the persons stopped at the checkpoints should be respected, including their right to privacy and the right to be secure in their persons.

The CHR called for the PNP-National Capital Region (PNP-NCR) leadership to issue clear guidelines on how to implement the "plain view" doctrine regarding checks for firearms, and how to approach and talk to motorists.

De Lima reminded the PNP that the law requires their personnel to be identifiable at all times with name labels on their uniforms. The checkpoints should also be clearly identified as official.

The CHR pledged to monitor the implementation of these checkpoints around the country.

"Clear and polite communication with the general public will go a long way in garnering the public's cooperation," said de Lima.

"Most people are happy to cooperate for the sake of peace and order but they do not want to be treated like criminals or suspects from the very outset."

The manner in which the NCR checkpoints are implemented can go a long way in establishing the credibility of the PNP as a human rights protection institution.

At least 18 people, including three policemen and the provincial jail warden of Masbate, were arrested across the country in the first day of the strict implementation of the nationwide gun ban, a police official revealed Sunday.

Director General Jesus Verzosa, chief of the PNP, said that most of those arrested were from Metro Manila while the rest are from various provinces like Masbate and Batangas.

“The arrests are but a proof that we are serious in the implementation of the gun ban, we will continue to do so for the protection of the civilians and ensure a credible and peaceful election this year,” said Verzosa.

Date: 11 January 2010

Source: Manila Bulletin