There are still people who refuse to adhere to physical distancing standards and observe proper health protocols amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
A government task force on COVID-19 suggested Friday the use of "yantok" (rattan stick) to hit people to remind them of health guidelines.
But the Commission on Human Rights said while it is understandable that authorities should strictly enforce health safeguards, the human rights and dignity of all must be respected at all times while addressing the health crisis.
"We wish to caution the government against unnecessary use of force and actions that may lead to humiliation and trauma. Violence, even in its slightest suggestion, is not the best way to address the pandemic," CHR spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia said in a statement.
The CHR recognized that the unknown nature of the pandemic has pushed the government into devising unique ways to properly enforce health safety protocols to prevent the spread of the virus. However, the CHR said this is no reason for authorities to throw human rights to the curb.
De Guia said that authorities should work harder to employ information dissemination so that people will understand the hazards of going out in the midst of a pandemic, as well as implement programs guided by the sound advice of science and health professionals.
The government should also invest in the protection of health care workers and other frontliners who are risking their lives each day just to care for those who have been infected, she added.
"We stress that the pandemic is not a peace and order issue, but a public health agenda," said De Guia. "The public should also be equally reminded to follow these health protocols strictly. At this point, it is quite obvious that virus already has affected the economy as well. It is true that different interests must be balanced, but human rights should never be compromised."