The primacy of human rights even in times of a national health emergency means that due process and the rule of law still apply. Even stricter restrictions, such as the enhanced community quarantine seen to protect the people’s right to health, are guided human rights standards and principles.

Even before, the Commission has expressed alarm over statements that sidestep human rights—the latest of which is from the Chief Executive himself challenging agitators and violators of the enhanced quarantine with threats to be shot dead.

Such statement is dangerous as it may be construed as an official policy from the government.

However, we are reassured by the clarification from the Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) that they will not abide with the statement, but would “exercise maximum tolerance and within the bounds of law.”

We then urge the PNP to come up with clearer guidelines for its law enforcers on the ground to assure the public that there will be no abuse of power. In this way, the public can expect greater accountability from the police by showing that the PNP will remain committed in their motto “to serve and protect” the Filipino people, especially our rights to life and liberty.

In the end, the people must always have a voice in a democracy. Dissent should not be taken as threats, but as an exercise of rights in a free society. And should there be violations, let our laws be our guide in demanding for accountability. The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has already taken so much lives. Let us work together to save more. ###