Philippines: Bad policing and torture

Philippines: Mayang Reblando, the daughter of the slain journalist, Alejandro "Bong" M. Reblando speaks against bad policing and torture

What do you think of the policing system of your country? Is it good? Or do you think it should be different? Kindly explain. You can take your time.

To my observations the system of policing in the Philippines is good, but there are some problems in implementing the laws such as while some of the law enforcers abide by the laws others abuse their powers because they believed that they are in the authority. Some people also in the government were abusing their powers too in a sense that whenever they were apprehended with their mistakes because they break some of the laws they wouldn't matter because they know that it's a "payable" mistake.

What do you think of police use of torture? Good, Bad? Kindly explain.

Talking about the police torturing some of the accused or prisoner is way beyond the norms. I mean there is no such permitting torturing in our country. And the fact that they police are in authority does not give them the right to do it. They are the law enforcers so they should be acting according to the laws they are implementing. All the people have rights, even if they are a prisoner; they still have the human rights.

What is your idea of good relationship between police and citizens?

To have a good relationship between a police and a citizen, first they should respect one another. In every relationship there should respect to one another and of course we need to see our limitations, like for example the law enforcers should have their limitations in their work they should do the things they just need to do and consider the rights of every human being either that person is in the authority or a normal person living simply.

If you have a problem, would you feel safe to go police and complain? Kindly explain.

Frankly saying, in the status of our country I am not a hundred percent sure of my safety in telling a police whenever I had a problem. On my own points of view, I think that in every country there is always bunch of persons who are really not performing the right tasks they need to do. It is just so sad that we hear and see from news that judging the accused are not fair. Some were too greedy for power and money that they not need to apply the law correctly. Like what we see from the news recently that some policemen were torturing a prisoner knowing that they have the power because they are in the authority and that people were afraid in telling the truth of what they are doing considering that they can be maltreated with the person concerned.

Is there a domestic violence law in your country? If yes, is it well implemented? If not what are the problems?

There is a domestic violence law here in the Philippines and it is implemented, but there are problems in the implementation. First is when some who were enforcing the laws were the ones abiding it. Second is when in the authority is abusing their powers. Lastly, when there is bias in helping the people or the accused.

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The views shared in this article do not necessarily reflect those of the AHRC, and the AHRC takes no responsibility for them.

About the Author:
Mayang Reblando, a student, is the daughter of the slain journalist, Alejandro 'Bong' Reblando who was killed along with many others during the Maquindanao massacre.

About AHRC: The Asian Human Rights Commission is a regional non-governmental organisation monitoring and lobbying human rights issues in Asia. The Hong Kong-based group was founded in 1984.

ENDS

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