House of Representatives Committee on Human Rights chairperson Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. on Wednesday warned Philippine National Police (PNP) officers they would be held in contempt if they did not stop taking photos of the families of victims of alleged extrajudicial killings (EJKs).
The said families had been invited to ongoing Congress hearings on the conduct of the previous administration’s drug war.
Abante told PNP representatives to respect the committee as he expressed dismay upon learning that police personnel at the hearing were taking photos of victims’ families.
“If they (police) do not want to be held in contempt… I do not want anyone taking pictures of anybody, if you are not members of the media,” Abante said.
“I am prohibiting any police officers to take pictures of these victims. Respect this committee,” he added.
The veteran legislator directed the panel to provide a holding room for the victims and their families, who testified on Tuesday in a hearing exclusively for them.
He had earlier given assurances that the human rights committee would take steps to ensure the safety and security of victims and their families after they initially expressed fears about testifying before Congress.