(Eagle News) — Philippine National Police chief Oscar Albayalde reiterated on Monday, June 25, that there was never any “misinterpretation” of President Rodrigo Duterte’s order against loiterers.
According to Albayalde, only those who violated ordinances and other laws were arrested, a statement President Rodrigo Duterte himself said in a recent speech in Davao.
Albayalde said only “a small percentage” of those who were caught were charged and detained.
“There is no violation known as tambay. Pinagbawal na namin ang paggamit ng word na tambay,” Albayalde said.
According to Albayalde, the police also have “zero tolerance” for their own who commit abuses.
He urged the public to report to the PNP national headquarters any of their men who engage in the same.
“Serious po tayo dito. Zero tolerance tayo sa abuso na ginagawa ng iba, kung talagang meron. Stats show already that even sa aming hanay, kami na nagkakaso sa kanila ng (violation of) human rights. Mahigit 600 na nafilean na namin ng kaso because of various offenses related to human rights,” he said.