Reports are
circulating around the city and even in the social media that arrested MNLF
members were not given humane treatment and government forces are subjecting
these rebels to some maltreatment.
Police Director
General Alan La Madrid Purisma Chief, Philippine National Police upon his
arrival at the Zamboanga City, strongly reiterated to the ground commanders the
observance of Police Operational Procedures while in the pursuit of these
rebels, that is to faithfully observe the rule of law; and uphold the rights of victims
and all individuals, including criminals.Such that, in
all police intervention operations, every PNP personnel shall, first and
foremost, be mindful and considerate of the protection of every citizen’s
honor, human rights and safety in the pursuit of its responsibility of law
enforcement and mission accomplishment.
The arrested MNLF rebels were properly informed of their
constitutional rights as arrested persons upon their arrest and they were
subjected to proper medical examination. They were provided with appropriate
food and day to day sustenance, in fact, in one instance, food intended for PNP
personnel who were in the middle of firefighting and whose food ration can no
longer be given, were handed to the arrested MNLF members. Since day one (1) of
this crisis, all that the government forces have done is Calibrated military
and police response.
To prove further, the
paramount considerationof the government in transferring the arrested MNLF
rebels to
the San Ramon Penal Farm is to protect and insure their welfare and to
decongestthem. To the family and friends of the arrested MNLF rebelsrest
assured that they don’t have to worry of how the MNLF rebels will be treated,
because everything will be done in accordance and in compliance with existing
law and our government troops are fully aware of these.---RPIO9
