THE country’s top cop assures the public that police officers respect and uphold human rights in the conduct of operations, including those against suspected terrorists.
This was the declaration of Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Police General Guillermo Eleazar in reaction to the call of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) that counter-terrorism operations should still uphold human rights.
He said he understands the CHR’s call as he assured everyone that the PNP adheres to the rule of law in the conduct of anti-terrorism operations.
“The PNP has high regard and respect with regard to human rights-based policing. Foremost in the minds of the police is to uphold human rights together with our mandate to serve the public,” PGen Eleazar said.
He pointed out that the Police Operating Procedures ensure police personnel uphold human rights in the conduct of operations and instill in them accountability.
The PNP Chief assured, “The PNP is here to protect our communities from terror groups who are the ones who have no respect for the law and of human rights.”
He added, “Although these terrorists are enemies of the state and of civilized society, we recognize their rights as persons entitled to their day in court for the crimes they have been accused of.”
But PGen Eleazar said that when terrorists fight and violently resist arrest, police personnel also have the right to defend themselves.