On alleged human rights violations, Secretary Roque said they're waiting for detailed information

Government agencies committed to uphold human rights

MANILA – Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque said national leadership takes note of the local government units’ efforts to devise and operationalize social distancing and other measures expected under the enhanced community quarantine.

In a statement sent to the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) early Sunday afternoon, Secretary Roque said the give credit to these efforts along with other interventions to make the lockdown effective in containing the spread of COVID-19.

“There are, however, concerns on alleged human rights violations by LGUs against QC offenders who disobeyed the rules and health protocols. As we are not fully aware of the details of such violations, we will appreciate receipts of detailed information of the same for proper action by the appropriate agencies,” he said.

Secretary Roque said local government units enforce the law “as reasonably strict as possible for the full protection of our people.” He added though such measures spell the difference between life and death, government instrumentalities implement them “within the rule of law and respectful of human dignity and human rights of everyone.”

The Department of Interior and Local Government which supervises both the LGUs and the PNP, remains committed to uphold human rights at all times and will not tolerate any violation during this period of ECQ.”

He said social distancing, curfew hours and other protocols are needed as he called on everyone to remain at home. (Melo M. Acuña)

Presidential Spokesperson harry Roque. (Presidential Photo)