PNP launches ‘human rights’ mobile app

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) will launch today a mobile application dubbed “ Know your Rights” as part of the observance of International Human Rights Day on Dec. 10.

The PNP Human Rights Affairs Office (HRAO) said the launch coincides with the celebration of National Human Rights Consciousness Week with the theme “Stand Up for Someone’s Right Today.”

HRAO director Chief Superintendent Dennis Siervo said Android device users may download the app from the Google Play Store.

With the app, human rights advisories and policies that the PNP crafted, including the contents of the “New Miranda warning pocket card” with anti-torture reminders, can be downloaded and stored in Android smartphones, Siervo said.

“Once installed, the app can be accessed anytime even without Internet connectivity,” he said.

Siervo said the app equips PNP personnel, especially those involved in anti-drug operations with the right information and materials with which to advise people placed under police custody of their rights under the law.

“The public can download the app in their smartphones for easy access to human rights advisories, which provide them information about their rights as citizens and basic information on police operational procedures and rules of engagement,” Siervo said.

“The mobile app is more than just a technology-driven mechanism. It is our affirmation of the PNP’s duty to respect, protect and fulfil human rights,” he added.

Republic Act 9201 mandates the PNP, Commission on Human Rights and other government offices to spearhead the celebration of the National Human Rights Consciousness Week from Dec. 4 to 10.