No more presentation of suspects to media

MANILA, Philippines — Presenting arrested suspects to the media in “firing squad” manner will no longer be allowed as such a practice is considered a violation of their constitutional rights to due process and presumption of innocence.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said the prohibition is contained in the National Police Commission Memorandum Circular 2007-01. Suspects presented to the media were usually in orange shirts with the word “detainee” printed on the back.

“It also subjects them to unwanted publicity that could besmirch their name and reputation, including that of their family,” the memo read.

In a report published in The STAR on Sept. 28, 2008, then PNP chief Jesus Verzosa’s first marching order was for regional and provincial commanders to refrain from presenting arrested suspects in a “firing squad” manner before the media.

Verzosa said his order was out of respect for the opinion of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) that parading suspects before the media violates their basic human rights.

“PNP personnel found in violation of the prohibition shall be charged administratively for less grave neglect of duty and shall be charged with Republic 9745 (The Anti-Torture Law),” the memorandum stated.

The memorandum, however, pointed out that the media have the right to access information about the alleged arrested suspects and other details without violating the prohibition.

Under the term of President Duterte, the PNP has presented to the media thousands of suspects arrested in series of police operations, particularly those involved in illegal drugs.