ANALYSIS: Right to Humane Treatment
21
Many police stations are located in old and decrepit buildings, like NPD-Malabon PS-2
and QCPD-Anonas PS-9. 77 This condition is shared by other stations such as the QCPD-La Loma
PS-1; Novaliches PS-4, and DAID/SOTG; MPD-Moriones PS-2, Sta. Cruz PS-3 (the wooden cell
that resembles a pig sty), Sampaloc PS-4 (the lock-up cell for women is wet due to water seeping
from the walls and ceiling); SPD-DSHG, Muntinlupa City PS; EPD-Mandaluyong PS-3 and San
Juan PS-4 (the celing at the female lock-up cell is also leaking). One police station, Pasay City
PS-TMRU (PCP-8), is even in danger of being demolished as it is located near a creek.
Photo taken at MPD–Sta. Cruz Police Station
It was observed that, generally, lock-up cells were constructed with little consideration as
to the health of the detainees, especially those who are of old-age, with illnesses, pregnant, and
with disability. When asked about the physical conditions of police stations, some police officers
answered that renovation of buildings where police stations are located comes along with issues
on ownership of the land and/or building. Usually renovation falls under the administrative care
of local government units. 78
The study noted that QCPD-Eastwood PS-12, SPD-Pateros PS and NPD-Valenzela PS are
exceptions to the issues on dilapidated/damaged or poor condition of police station buildings
and/or lock-up cells. These three police stations, as well as its lock-up cells, are in good condition
and meet the required standard appropriate to the humanity and dignity of PDL in temporary
custody therein.
77
There can be no renovation of the Anonas PS considering that the NAWASA water pipes installation is located
underneath the police station building. Its ceiling reportedly has been leaking since 2013.
78
Novaliches QCPD-PS.