“Execute your duty but uphold the people’s rights.”
This was Auxiliary Bishop Dennis Villarojo’s reminder for law enforcers who are sent out on the streets to do checkpoints.
“We understand that checkpoints are valid, but everything valid always has limitations,” said Villarojo during an interview on Wednesday after a Mass which he celebrated at the St. Therese Chapel in Barangay Valladolid, Carcar City, to commemorate the 29th death anniversary of Archbishop Teofilo Camomot.
Villarojo said that while authorities should adhere to existing policies, they have to also make sure that their policing powers are not used to the extreme.
Cebu’s auxillary bishop has joined calls against conduct of body search in checkpoints initiated by the Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO).
MCPO has arrested at least 284 persons in various checkpoints initiated since January 2017 for the alleged possession of drugs or firearms.
Villarojo said that while civilians cooperate with the police, they should also learn to assert their rights against the conduct of illegal body searches.
“We should cooperate, because that is fairly for our good.
“Nonetheless, the exercise of these measures should not be brought to the extremes,” Villarojo added.