#quarantine protocols

To combat the spread of COVID-19 in the Philippines, different quarantine protocols and lockdown guidelines are mandated by the government. In heavily populated areas like Metro Manila, even stricter rules are imposed. Some of which involve longer curfew hours and higher age restrictions for outdoor mobility. Multiple problems arise from the strict nature of these protocols, one of which came in the form of unjust and extreme implementations by authorities. This year, multiple news stories of quarantine violators being subjected to inhumane and unnecessary punishments came to light. Darren Manaog Peñaredondo from Cavite was reportedly forced to do 300 rounds of pumping exercises as punishment which caused his eventual death the following day. Ernanie Lumban Jimenez died from his injuries after being allegedly assaulted and beaten by at least two barangay tanods in Laguna after being caught outside. 59-year-old mentally disabled Eduardo Geñoga was shot dead by a barangay tanod during curfew hours in Manila. And countless numbers of violators are either arrested and forced in overloaded detention facilities or publicly paraded and shamed by police forces. This is obviously a huge civil and political human rights violation that must be given the utmost attention.

Besides providing guidelines for citizens, imposing constitutional rules to be followed by the implementing bodies and figures is a huge part of the solution. It’s important to make it known and clear to everyone, especially defenseless civilians, what can and cannot be done to them to avoid being victims of power abuse and to hold authorities accountable. Instead of harsh punishments, alternatives like fines, community service, and COVID-19 education would be much better and actually more beneficial. Joint Task Force COVID Shield Commander Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazer even pointed these as the most logical courses of action. Fines collected from violators could be used by Local Government Units for COVID-19 response and other projects. Community service allows LGU programs to proceed faster with the added manpower. COVID-19 Education, of course, serves as a tool for people to understand the severity of the pandemic and the importance of complying to health protocols prepared and approved by professionals. Admittedly, this is all easier said than done as some violators will break the rules again and again. This is when us, other citizens, can step in to help. Be active in reminding other people of the different health guidelines that must be followed like wearing face masks and social distancing. Extending help to those struggling to meet needs brought by these strict protocols. However, while we’re doing these, we must also keep authorities in check. And when they step out of line, we must demand justice no matter what.

Although quarantine protocols and lockdown guidelines have immensely helped in slowing down transmission of the virus, this will never be a reason for authorities to be abusive towards the society they serve. Curfews and other restrictions do not grant them the power to inflict violence and brutality to people who can’t fight back. This is why our voices is important especially during this time when we are grounded by more restrictions. No amount of rules can strip away our rights and dignity as humans. It’s always with us and we must always stand up for it.