A report by GMA-7’s “24 Oras” narrated how the officials of Brgy. Balas in Basilan employ physical punishment and sanction community service to discourage drug users from going back to their old dangerous habits. In a video shown in the same report, a man can be seen severely hurt and almost unable to walk after receiving a paddle hit from the Brgy. Chariman Ibrahim Ballaho himself.
Another man was made to do squats after being hit at the back of his thighs with a huge paddle, eventually falling to his knees when he received a second hit.
Two others who turned themselves in received the same punishment, with one latching on to the barangay chairman as he was unable to stand after. The other one shook the captain’s hand after being hit, seemingly thanking him for the punishment he received.
Meanwhile, others were made to clean up the barangay as a form of ‘discipline’ which will remind them never to turn to drugs again.
Ballaho said he came up with this system to give the drug users a chance to turn their lives around and be better men.
Those who turned themselves in admitted that they did not want to go back to their own ways. One mother even expressed her gratitude to Ballaho’s system, saying it really did change her son’s life.
However, the Commission on Human Rights weighed in on the issue and stated that it was against the law to inflict corporal punishment on those who broke the law:
“Infliction of physical pain is not provided for under the law if without sufficient basis. It may amount to an alleged case of physical injuries, maltreatment, and may constitute cruel. inhumane, and degrading treatment of punishment.”
The CHR added that it shall investigate the matter, with the cooperation of the Department of Interior and Local Government.
Watch the entire report here:
Isang Kapitan Ang Pinaparusahan Ang Mga Durugista Na Sumuko Sa Kanilang Barangay
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February 12, 2018
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Reviewed by Admin
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February 12, 2018
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