PNPA Press Release Control No.: 2023-82
Authority: PMGEN ERIC E NOBLE, D, PNPA
Releaser: PLTCOL LOUIE DC GONZAGA, C, PIO
Date: June 22, 2023
Silang, Cavite—On June 21, 2023, the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines organized a Symposium on the Prevention of Torture and Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment participated by the Second Class Cadets of Philippine National Police Academy Class 2025 at the Heroes Hall. The symposium aimed to enlighten the cadets on various laws and protocols related to the prevention of torture and cruel treatment, with the goal of ensuring that every citizen under police custody is treated fairly and humanely.
The symposium featured several noteworthy speakers, including Atty Gian Carlo Tauro, who talked about the Rights of Persons Under Police Custody, and Atty Bethany Joy Cladera, who facilitated The UN Standard Minimum Rules on the Treatment of Prisoners (Mandela Rules Workshop) together with the CHR Prevention Cluster Tram. Also present was Atty Francis Angela A Estipona, who discussed the Anti-Torture Act of 2009 (RA 9745), and Atty Julie Ann Regalado, who discussed the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhumane, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and its Optional Protocol. The participants were given the chance to share their reactions and reflections on the forum during the forum reactions session with Atty Regalado.
During the symposium, Atty Tauro also discussed the Prevention and Protection Mandates on Torture/CIDTP, which are essential in ensuring that human rights are upheld during investigations and detainment.
The symposium was organized as part of the efforts of PNPA to educate its cadets in human rights. Similarly, with its partnership with the International Criminal Investigative Training Assistant Program-ICITAP of the US Department of Justice in the conduct of Human Rights Course for the cadets, PNPA aims to ensure that its cadets possess the necessary skills and knowledge to treat each other and all citizens humanely. The courses are part of the realization of the Chief PNP PGEN BENJAMIN ACORDA JR’s Five-Focused Agenda.
According to PMGen Eric E. Noble, Director, PNPA, “We are proud to have initiated such programs that will instill in our cadets the value of respecting human rights. These programs are especially designed for the 2nd class cadets, particularly because they are the ones handling the new cadets as their immediate supervisors during the 45 days orientation course. We believe that these programs will aid in creating a culture of respect and accountability among our cadets.”
The symposium was a successful event that enlightened the participants on various laws and protocols related to the prevention of torture and cruel treatment. It is PNPA’s hope that its cadets will take the lessons learned from the symposium to heart, and that they will become leaders who respect and uphold the dignity and rights of every citizen.
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