At this point of the pandemic, when infection cases are yet again on the rise, everyone’s cooperation is crucial in curbing the spread of Covid-19 in the Philippines.

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) views the enhanced quarantine measures as a human rights measure meant to protect the people’s right to health so we may live a life of quality and dignity.

As such, we recognise the government’s position to restrict freedom of movement in the interest of public health and safety. However, we stress that quarantine measures are being implemented as a public health measure and not as a peace and order solution—this is the rationale as previously espoused by the Chief Executive himself when he stated that the quarantine is not tantamount to martial law.

CHR is thus concerned about the treatment and death of Darren Peñaredondo who was apprehended while he was said to be on his way to buy water and was allegedly made to do 300 rounds of a pumping exercise akin to squats. Peñaredondo would later mention to his partner the punishment he was subject to and would eventually succumb to causes still unverified.

Excessive punishments and fines which are punitive in nature and disproportionate with the violation represent an overreach of the enforcement of quarantine rules and regulations. We echo the statement of Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra in recommending local government units to impose community service on quarantine violators as an alternative to harsh physical exercises and fines which only add hardships already being felt by members of the poor and vulnerable sectors.

The Commission condoles with the family of Peñaredondo and shall reach out to the family in the process of our independent investigation of the incident. #