CHR to investigate 'kagawad' who stripped quarantine violator
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is set to investigate a barangay kagawad who forced a quarantine violator to strip and even posted pictures of the incident on social media.

CHR Spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia said they are deeply concerned over this violation of human rights during the middle of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
"Mariing paalala ng Komisyon na hindi nasususpinde ang karapatang pantao kahit may umiiral na national health emergency. (The Commission strongly reminds us that human rights are not suspended despite a national health emergency)," she said.
De Guia stressed that transgressors need to be held accountable for their actions. In this case, the barangay kagawad violated R.A. 9745 or the Anti-Torture Act for subjecting an individual to degrading treatment and punishment.
Several local government units have set good examples on how to deal with quarantine violators. Those who have been apprehended for not following proper quarantine protocols are made to watch videos regarding the devastating effects of COVID-19.
In doing so, the CHR said that people become more understanding of the government-imposed lockdown and adhere better to the health safety protocols such as wearing face masks and physical distancing.
"Ang kakulangan sa kaalaman sa epekto ng pandemiya ay isa rin sa mga posibleng dahilan sa paglabag (Lack of knowledge of the impact of pandemics is also one of the possible causes of the breach)," said de Guia.
The CHR is likewise calling on the government - both national and local - to uphold and protect the rights and dignity of their constituents.
"Ito ay kaakibat na obligasyon ng kanilang posisyon at tungkulin sa bayan at mga mamamayan. (This obligation is in conjunction with their position and duty to the people and the people)," she said.