Cops found abusing authority in monitoring social media posts will be punished

September 9, 2020

Police officers who are found abusing their authority while monitoring social media posts will be punished, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP) deputy chief for administration on Wednesday.

"The social media reporting is not an issue against privacy but rather we (are) empowering ordinary citizens (to report) those who are in power (who are) violating (quarantine) regulations," Police Lt. General Guillermo Eleazar said.

"Contrary to what others are thinking that this will be abuse, it's the opposite... The people will be the one to report any information and just like what I have said the PNP leadership will not tolerate abuse, just inform us," he added.

Eleazar said all police officers who are found abusing their authority will face sanctions.

"You know, all of the guidelines and provisions they could be abused and not because it could be abused we will not do it anymore... That's why we have safeguards... all who will be abusive will be sanctioned," Eleazar said.

The JTF commander encouraged everyone to report anything they believe is a violation of their rights.

He reiterated that quarantine violation found on social media will not be equivalent to arrest but rather for verification purposes.

"Even Malacanang and the IBP (Integrated Bar of the Philippines) said there is nothing wrong in monitoring these posts which actually are posted publicly and indeed these are posted for the police to really find this out and act on this eventually," Eleazar said.

On Monday, Eleazar said most of their targets on social media are government officials and prominent personalities as they easily get viral when committing violations. Ella Dionisio/DMS