DAVAO CITY, Philippines—Concerns about intimidation caused by police officers wearing face masks at checkpoints near the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KoJC) have prompted a new directive from Secretary Benhur Abalos.
During a Senate hearing on Tuesday, held by the Committee on Peace and Order and Dangerous Drugs, Abalos instructed police personnel to remove their masks while on duty at these checkpoints.
The issue was brought to light by Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who observed that the presence of masked officers at the airport checkpoint contributed to an unsettling atmosphere.
Dela Rosa recounted questioning a patrolman about the necessity of wearing masks, especially given the current absence of a COVID-19 threat.
“I asked the patrolman, ‘Is that face mask really part of your uniform? There’s no COVID, so why are you all wearing masks? Is this meant to be intimidating?’ The patrolman couldn’t answer and said he was just following orders,” Dela Rosa explained.
Senator Dela Rosa raised concerns that the use of face masks by police was negatively impacting public perception. “The current view of the police is becoming more antagonistic rather than reassuring,” he stated. “Wearing face masks at checkpoints is very intimidating.”
Acting Davao City Police Director Col. Hansel Marantan defended the use of masks, explaining that they are worn to protect officers from fumes and road particles.
However, Senator Dela Rosa dismissed this reasoning. “Don’t tell me that reason. I’ve experienced the same conditions you face. Wearing masks all the time is not acceptable. Is it part of the uniform or not?” Dela Rosa challenged.
“I am just telling the truth, Your Honor,” Marantan replied.
Despite the health concerns raised, Senator Dela Rosa insisted that masks give a negative impression.
In response, Secretary Abalos has ordered that all police officers manning checkpoints near the KoJC will no longer wear face masks. Instead, they are to display their name tags prominently to create a more approachable and less intimidating presence.
A study conducted by the Royal Society of Chemistry and published on June 14, 2022, noted that while face masks in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, “are used to address mobility issues and reduce exposure to harmful particles from traffic, they can also pose health risks by trapping noxious fumes. The study indicated that masks can reduce exposure to harmful road particles, but their overall impact on health and public perception remains a complex issue.”
The post PNP officers at checkpoints near KoJC remove masks following intimidation concerns appeared first on NewsLine Philippines.
PNP officers at checkpoints near KoJC remove masks following intimidation concerns
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