PNP chief orders police to avoid hurting quarantine violators

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Guillermo Eleazar ordered police officers not to hurt individuals arrested for quarantine violations, including improper face mask use.

He clarified that while violators will be accosted and brought to a holding area, physical punishment or harm is prohibited and will result in accountability.

This directive was issued following President Duterte's order to accost face mask violators.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto supported Eleazar's order, warning that jailing mask violators would worsen jail congestion and clog court dockets.

Recto stated that jailing violators would defeat the purpose of protecting the community if they catch the virus inside crowded jails.

He suggested that rules on mask wearing should be subject to a massive information and education campaign, especially for police and barangay tanods.

Recto found Eleazar's order prohibiting maltreatment and abuse of violators, and directing them to settle penalties for violating local ordinances, to be logical.