The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is now probing the reported shooting of Eduardo Geñoga, a 59-year-old curfew violator with mental illness, by Cesar Panlaqui, a barangay tanod. The shooting happened in Tondo, Manila on 7 August 2021, the second day of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila.

According to reports, Panlaqui accosted Geñoga for allegedly slamming doors and gates in Tayuman Street during curfew hours. The victim allegedly approached the barangay tanod with a stick, which prompted the suspect to shoot the victim in the chest resulting to the latter’s death.

It is condemnable and deeply concerning that a quarantine violator died again in the implementation of quarantine protocols, which is reminiscent of deaths of violators in last year’s ECQ implementation. The Commission has repeatedly stressed throughout the ongoing pandemic that this is a health crisis, not a peace and order agenda. Employing force will not eliminate the virus, but may instead further imperil and harm lives, which the quarantine rules is supposed to protect.

We reiterate our stern reminder that in case of aggression, thwarting it must always be necessary and proportionate to the level of threat and assault. We continuously remind authorities to adhere to human-rights based policing and to respect every individual’s dignity, especially the vulnerable ones, including those with mental health conditions.

CHR expresses deep condolences to the family of the victim. In these period of health and economic crisis, compassionate and human rights-based approach must be employed to ensure the welfare of all, especially the vulnerable and impoverish sectors. ###