CHR to visit PNP-operated jails, detention facilities

The Philippine National Police and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) yesterday signed a memorandum of undertaking (MoU) on the commission’s visitorial powers over PNP-operated jails and detention facilities at the PNP Museum at Camp Crame, Quezon City to mark the second anniversary of the activation of the PNP Human Rights Affairs Ofice (HRAO).

The PNP deputy chief for administration, Deputy Director General Geary Barias represented PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa in the activity. Barias and CHR Chairwoman Laila de Lima signed the MoU in the presence of other representatives from both the PNP and CHR as well as two high-ranking officials of the Hanns Seidel Foundation/Germany (HSF), namely, Michael Glos and Christian Hegemer.

Verzosa thanked the CHR for its unwavering support to the PNP in its advocacy of upholding the human rights of detained persons.

“The CHR has been actively supporting our efforts to promote and protect human rights, even as we continue to implement the PNP Human Rights Development Program which serves as the blueprint for action on human rights which the police agency aims to accomplish to ensure the protection of the citizenry,” Verzosa said.

In the MoU, the CHR will exercise its visitorial power over detention facilities operated by the PNP in police camps, stations and detachments nationwide in coordination with the PNP chief or the PNP officials responsible for the persons detained in the facilities.

After the MoU signing, the launching of the poster on the Rights of Persons Arrested, Detained and Under Custodial Investigation was held. The poster is a joint project of the PNP and the HSF and will be distributd to all PNP units, offices and police stations nationwide.

“The signing of the MoU and the launching of the poster in the rights of arrested and detained persons mark another significant undertaking in the PNP’s commitment to human rights. We are closely working with the CHR and HSF in this activity to ensure that the rights of persons under custody are respected and protected,” said Senior Supt. Franklin Jesus Bucayu, chief of the PNP Human Rights Affairs Office. –Gina Peralta-Elorde, Daily Tribune