36 Human Rights Situation in Police Lock-up Cells G. Other Issues 1. Religion Freedom of religion is a fundamental right. Faith plays a central role in humans and is at the core of one’s existence. Generally, PDL are allowed to practice their religion. Leaders/members of their faith are allowed to visit and conduct religious practices outside the lock-up cells within the police station premises. But in SPD-Paranaque City PS, a Muslim detainee complained of not being allowed to exercise his freedom of religion. Hence, authorities concerned should immediately address this complaint. 2. Personal Property Personal property of arrested persons must be inventoried and kept in a safe place until its return to the PDL when they are released or transferred. Some Police Stations would rather surrender personal property to family members than keep them. However, there are instances where personal items are no longer returned, such as that of four detainees at the EPD-Marikina PS who complained that their personal belongings (mobile phones and money) were confiscated by the Police Officers. The detainees positively identified the two police officers. 3. Contact with Outside World Principle 19 provides that a detained or imprisoned person shall have the right to be visited by and to correspond with, in particular, members of his family and shall be given adequate opportunity to communicate with the outside world, subject to reasonable conditions and restrictions as specified by law or lawful regulations; 163 as well as visits and correspondence with reputable friends at regular intervals. 164 But based on the information gathered there are instances when families of PDL are not informed of their arrest or detention, 165 including their physical and health condition. Likewise, they are not informed of the serious illness or death in the family, which situation does not conform to the Standard Minimum Rules. 166 It was observed, however, that some police stations, such as Las Piñas, allow PDL to watch television, particularly newscast, inside their lock-up cells. At QCPD-Anonas, PDL have to climb up to a 163 Photo taken at SPD-Las Pinas PS Body of Principles for the Protection of All Persons Under any Form of Detention or Imprisonment. Rule 37, Standard Minimum Rules. 165 MPD-Jose Abad Santos Police Station 166 Rule 44(2), Standard Minimum Rules. 164