NPC condemns profiling of community pantry organizers

The National Privacy Commission (NPC) has strongly condemned the "unjust profiling" of community pantry organizers, calling them "heroes of this pandemic" and stating that such actions may violate their right to privacy.

NPC Commissioner Raymund Liboro emphasized that unjust profiling is unwelcome due to the risks it poses to citizens, such as discrimination and stereotyping.

Liboro also expressed grave concern over NTF-ELCAC Spokesperson Lieutenant General Antonio Parlade Jr.'s statement likening community pantry organizer Ana Patricia Non's actions to "Satan's act of deception," describing Non's work instead as a "selfless act."

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) is investigating police officers accused of profiling community pantry organizers, though NCRPO commander Police Major General Vicente Danao Jr. and PNP chief Gen. Debold Sinas denied any directive from the police leadership for such profiling.

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) previously warned that collecting data from organizers is an "encroachment" of privacy and an "overreach and abuse" of police power.

The Maginhawa Community Pantry had temporarily halted operations due to safety concerns for volunteers following alleged red-tagging by the Quezon City Police District and NTF-ELCAC.