Alcover requests CHR-7 investigation

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Councilor Pastor "Jun" Alcover Jr. has officially requested the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Region VII to investigate, on its own initiative, into the alleged abusive arrests of vendors at Plaza Sugbo. This request comes after his proposed resolution was blocked by some of his fellow Council members.

In his January 6 privilege speech, Alcover detailed three incidents—one in November and two in December—where vendors were reportedly subjected to excessive force by members of the Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification, and Enhancement (PROBE) team.

He acknowledged that vending is prohibited under Ordinance 2686 but emphasized that enforcement should be humane and coordinated through the Gugma Alyansa sa Sumbanan Alyansa (GASA), which was established by Ordinance 2386 to regulate informal trade.

“Governance is not only about enforcing rules—it is about how we enforce them,” Alcover told colleagues. He warned that justice without compassion weakens public trust, while justice with mercy restores dignity.

Alcover’s proposed resolution to formally request CHR’s intervention was opposed by identified BOPK councilors allied with Mayor Nestor Archival, who argued that the matter had already been settled amicably.

With the measure blocked, Alcover filed his own request to CHR Regional Director Arvin Ordon yesterday (January 7).

“I am constrained to bring this matter directly to your office. This request is made not for political purposes, but solely in the interest of truth, justice, and the protection of human rights, particularly of marginalized sectors, such as small vendors,” he wrote.

Earlier, Mayor Nestor Archival ordered the PROBE chief to appear at City Hall and submit a written report within 24 hours following the viral video of vendor Ruel Omaba’s apprehension.

Archival said initial accounts from enforcers denied allegations of slapping or choking but later said that if excessive force is proven, “appropriate action will be taken.”

Even before Alcover had formally requested to CHR, Archival thanked the latter for bringing the matter up to the said commission.

Councilor and lawyer Mikel Rama later voiced support for Alcover’s move, rejecting the notion that the issue should be set aside because of a settlement. “Dili nato mahimo nga tungod lang kay naa’y settlement, kalimtan na lang nato ang mas dako nga panginahanglan alang sa tulubagon ug hustisya,” Rama said.

He added that he knew some of the vendors personally, and stressed that enforcement should never trample on human dignity.

Rama also called for a review of ordinances governing public spaces and a clearer definition of PROBE’s mandate.

“Nagkinahanglan kita og mga balaod nga duna’y kasing-kasing ug mga polisiya nga nagbalanse sa pagpreserba sa atong kultura ug sa panginabuhian sa mga kabus. Kon ang atong mga ordinansa nagtugot sa pagpangmaltrato sa mga yanong kasing sa ngalan sa "kahapsay," na’n kanang mga balaora dunay depekto ug kinahanglan nga usabon dayon,”Rama declared. — /RAE (FREEMAN)