CHR probes Batangas ‘walk of shame’

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission of Human Rights (CHR) has started its investigation into the “walk of shame” of suspected drug pushers in Tanauan, Batangas.

Jacqueline Ann de Guia, CHR director for Southern Tagalog, said the suspects executed an affidavit, saying they suffered humiliation.

Seven suspects arrested in a drug sting on Wednesday were paraded around the city’s public market on Thursday while bearing a sign that reads ”Ako’y pusher, wag ako tularan (I'm a pusher don't emulate me).”

“They were not convicted yet. The charges weren’t even filed when they were made to walk,” De Guia said.

She said the Anti-Torture Law prohibits the public display or humiliation of a detainee or prisoner. She said they would ask Tanauan Mayor Antonio Halili to respond to the complaint.

De Guia said the CHR would release its findings on its probe into a previous walk of shame that Halili ordered.

In 2012, Halili paraded a suspected dried fish thief whose hands were bound with a plastic bag of tuyo.

Unfazed by the CHR investigation, Halili said he would continue parading suspected criminals to deter people from committing crime.

He said it is the responsibility of the CHR to investigate alleged cases of human rights violations in the same way that it is his duty to keep his city safe and peaceful.

Halili said he would submit the names of drug dealers in Tanauan to the Philippine National Police as directed by incoming president Rodrigo Duterte.