Taguig police: Court order needed for release of arrested persons in demolition
Only a court has the authority to release individuals arrested during the demolition of houses at Panday Creekside, Barangay Palingon, Tipas, on April 13, the Taguig police said.
Six people were taken into custody for allegedly violating Presidential Decree No. 1829 (obstruction of justice), and Article 151 (resistance and disobedience to a person in authority), and Article 155 (alarms and scandals) of the Revised Penal Code.
On April 20, one detainee was released after posting bail through a court order. The remaining four are awaiting judicial directives.
“Mahigpit naming nililinaw na ang kapulisan ay walang kapangyarihang magpalaya nang walang opisyal na utos mula sa hukuman. Ang anumang pagpapalaya ay nasa eksklusibong kapangyarihan ng korte (We strongly clarify that the police do not have the power to release without an official order from the court. Any release is within the exclusive power of the court),” the Taguig police said.
They added, “No form of harassment or abuse is allowed within the custodial facility; it is strictly prohibited and will be subject to legal liability. Obey the law, enforce discipline, and avoid violence. Every action has its associated liability.”
Meanwhile, the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) called for the amendment of the Urban Development and Housing Act (UDHA) following the demolitions in Taguig and Los Baños, Laguna.
PCUP Chairperson and CEO Usec. Michelle Anne Gonzales said that while the Commission recognizes the need for the implementation of court orders and development projects, these must not come at the expense of the dignity and rights of vulnerable communities.
She said the deficiencies in law often place informal settler families in precarious situations during their relocation.