The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has slammed the "unjustified" and "aggressive" apprehension of a small vendor by the Parañaque Task Force, calling the act "deeply concerning" as it degraded the rights of the vendor.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
In a video that went viral on social media, five members of the said task force were seen aggressively manhandling the vendor, Warren Villanueva, who was holding on to his cart --- his main utility for selling.
CHR Spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline de Guia noted that the violent apprehension of the vendor shocked viewers. "The use of excessive force by the task force appears unjustified and unnecessary," she said. "It constitutes cruelty, degrades the person, and can cause long-term psychological harm."
The CHR welcomed and lauded the swift action of Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez to suspend and file administrative cases against the five members of the task force in order to ensure that such acts of abuse will not take place again.
For now, Villanueva's cart has been returned to him. Sadly, the CHR said that he is still reeling from the experience and is suffering from anxiety. De Guia hoped that immediate psychological intervention will be provided to the vendor in light of the incident that he suffered.
For the CHR's part, its investigation team has already been dispatched to look into the incident and provide needed intervention.
De Guia stressed that implementation of the law must always take into account the "totality of the situation" as well as human conditions.
"What is legal must also be humane. In apprehending small vendors, we hope that their dire situation is given due consideration and alternative options are provided so they may continue to earn a decent living," she said. "Law enforcement must not transgress the dignity of individuals, especially the impoverished ones who most need the law's utmost protection."