New HR raps filed over parade of pushers

MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) received a new set of complaints in connection with the latest incident of the “Walk of Shame” involving suspected drug pushers in Tanauan City, Batangas on Monday.

Jacqueline Ann de Guia, CHR regional director for Southern Tagalog, confirmed to The STAR by text message yesterday that some of those who underwent the so-called “Flores de Pusher” initiated by Tanauan City Mayor Antonio Halili have filed complaints before their office.

On Monday, the Tanauan City local government paraded 11 suspected drug pushers in a mock Santacruzan, dubbed as Flores de Pusher.

The incident is the latest in the Walk of Shame campaign of Halili, who used the initiative to deter criminality in his city.

De Guia said they have also received complaints from suspects who were subjected to a similar shame campaign last week.

Another set of complaints is also under investigation and is due to be released by the agency.

She said their investigation would be anchored on existing laws that might have been violated, such as the Anti-Torture Law that specifically prohibits the public display or humiliation of a detainee or prisoner.

CHR chairman Chito Gascon earlier said that the incidents happened even as charges have yet to be filed against the suspects, noting the possible violation of due process and the presumption of innocence accorded to suspects.

He urged incoming president Rodrigo Duterte to tell local government officials to ensure that the laws of the land are followed and that human rights are not violated.

The outgoing administration of President Aquino is leaving it up to the CHR to determine if the so-called Flores de Pusher shame campaign for drug pushers in Tanauan is legal.

Presidential Communications Operation Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the decision rests with Gascon, who used to be secretary-general of the ruling Liberal Party.

“We trust that the CHR will perform its duty to review if such activity is within the bounds of the law,” Coloma said.

Gascon enjoys a seven-year fixed term until May 2022.

Last Monday, 11 suspected drug pushers, including a woman, were made to take the Walk of Shame around the Tanauan City public market, with the label “Flores De Pusher” marked on their shirts.

Members of the city’s Civil Security Unit allegedly caught them selling and using illegal drugs in a buy-bust operation.

Halili had summoned and warned known drug pushers in Tanauan to stop their illegal drug trade or face the consequences, according to the Tanauan City Public Information Office. – With Delon Porcalla