Order ensures constitutional rights are respected

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Following the recent spate of violence across Negros, President Rodrigo Duterte yesterday ordered the deployment of additional troops and police officers to the island.

The memorandum order, signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, cites recent acts of violence, including the ‘Sagay 9’ incident and the murder of National Union of the People’s Lawyers-Negros secretary-general, Atty. Benjamin Ramos, Jr., in justifying the need for reinforcements in order to “prevent further loss of innocent lives and destruction of property.”

The added security seeks to “bring the country back to a state of complete normalcy as quick as possible.”

The order also reiterated measures the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) can undertake during a state of national emergency on account of lawlessness; along with directing the AFP, PNP, and Department of Justice to closely coordinate and intensify local and transnational intelligence operations.

Meanwhile, constitutional rights were also mentioned, ensuring AFP and PNP personnel respect the rights of every individual.

No civil or political rights are suspended during the existence of a state of national emergency on account of lawless violence, the order noted.

In addition, any AFP or PNP personnel found violating an individual’s constitutional rights will be held administratively, civilly, or criminally liable.

Aside from Negros, Samar and the Bicol region were also included in the order./DGB, WDJ