WATCH: Artists’ group tackles 8 rights when facing ‘Tokhang’ cops

An artists’ alliance campaigning against the spate of manslaughter under President Duterte’s antidrug drive released an informative video that’s gathering thousands of views and likes all over Facebook.

In a six-minute video posted on the site on Monday, Resbak educated users with their human rights if ever they encounter cops who want to arrest them under the government’s “Oplan Tokhang.” In a parody of the Miss Universe pageant, Miss Philippines enumerates the eight basic human rights of Filipinos upon police confrontation in the contest’s question-and-answer segment. These fundamental rights, abbreviated with the acronym “M.A.T.A.P.A.N.G,” are as follows:

1) Manahimik (Keep quiet)—You can opt to keep quiet amid interrogations from authorities.

2) Ayoko (I don’t want)—You can deny entry to policemen out to inspect you and do a search operation inside your home for illegal drugs.

3) Tumawag (Call)—You have the right to call a lawyer even without initial money to pay for his services.

4) Alis (Get out)—You have the right to leave when there is no basis for you to remain in the police station.

5) Pribado (Private)—If it is needed for authorities to frisk you for banned items, it should be done in a private place with someone of the same sex.

6) Alamin (Inquire)—You should know the name and rank of the person in charge.

7) Numero (Number)—In case someone violated one or more of the eight given rights, you can contact Resbak at 0956 874 2385.

8) Go—Follow the previous rules.

In conclusion, Resbak reminds Filipinos to be tough and vigilant when faced with arrest from authorities and apply the eight basic rights to defend one’s self.  Gianna Francesca Catolico