The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) joins the entire Muntinlupa Police Station in mourning the untimely passing of Senior Police Officer III (SPO3) Manuel Escalona on Tuesday, 10 May 2022.

We laud SPO3 Escalona and other law enforcers and those in the security sector that took part in maintaining peace during the election period and protecting the sanctity of the ballot during election day. Ensuring peace and safeguarding the ballots are essential in protecting the legitimacy of the election.

SPO3 Escalona’s passing, possibly stress-related due to his three days straight election duty, brings to light the stress and health-related hazards law enforcers face in keeping peace in the community and crime-reduction efforts. We hope that that the Philippine National Police leadership would look into this incident to prevent its re-occurrence and to take into account the overall health of its officers through equitable distribution of work assignments.

CHR welcomes Muntinlupa police’s acting chief Col. Angel Garcillano pronouncement on the facilitation of claims and financial assistance to be given to the bereaved family and loved ones.