The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has scored the Philippine National Police (PNP) for the use of firearms during the demolition of an informal settlement at a mosque in the vicinity of Roxas Blvd., Pasay City last Wednesday.

CHR chairwoman Leila M. de Lima said the police claimed that 50 of protesting residents were armed with homemade shotguns and explosives like molotov bombs and other materials, thus posing a threat to the demolition team escorted by lawmen.

She added that Sr. Supt. Raul Petrasanta said police only fired warning shots and did not aim their guns at any of the protesters.

“The use of firearms is strictly prohibited during demolition operations. The PNP has no justification for the discharge of firearms, whether for the purpose of firing warning shots, disabling or killing protesters,” De Lima argued.

She cited Rule 19, Sec. 2 of the Manual for PNP Operational Procedures, which states that "All personnel involved shall be in complete uniform and shall desist from the use of any violence or any actuation that may harm, harass, or terrorize the affected parties; The mode of participation shall be strictly to maintain peace and order during the entire demolition/ejectment activity, ensuring the protection of all parties from harm and injury; The deployment of tear gas and water cannon shall be applied only as a last resort, when all other peaceful and non-violent means have been exhausted, and shall be made under proper advice and command of a responsible or superior police officer." (Marvin Benaning)