PNP encourages citizen’s arrest vs. law violators

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac Banac said anybody is allowed to make a citizens’ arrest, stressing that it is the duty of every Filipino to be involved in the maintenance of peace and order. (File Photo: Philippine National Police/Facebook)

MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday encouraged the public to exercise citizen’s arrest against anyone, including foreigners, who violate the country’s laws.

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac Banac said anybody is allowed to make a citizens’ arrest, stressing that it is the duty of every Filipino to be involved in the maintenance of peace and order.

“That includes calling out anyone, both locals and foreigners who disrespect or violate laws and local ordinances and reporting the incident right away to authorities. If situation warrants, it is enshrined in our laws that we can exercise citizen’s arrest, and immediately turn over to proper authorities anyone apprehended for proper disposition,” he explained.

For those who are reluctant due to security concerns, Banac said they can simply report these incidents to authorities.

“Oo puwede yun (citizen’s arrest), pero siyempre para sa protection na rin ng mga kababayan natin ‘yung barangay natin ang kanilang tawagin, pinakamabuti ‘yung barangay para person in authority talaga (but of course, for the protection of our fellow Filipinos, it is best that they call the barangay officials, so there will be a person in authority who would respond to these),” said Banac.

Banac said violators apprehended under citizen’s arrest may be turned over to barangay officials.

On Monday, the Manila City government ordered a manhunt against a Chinese-looking foreigner whose photo went viral for defecating at the Baluarte de Dilao in Intramuros, Manila.

Meanwhile, three Chinese men were earlier photographed while peeing along Ayala Avenue in Makati.