NCDA calls for due process in incident involving PWD, security guard

MANILA, Philippines — The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) called for due process after a person with disability (PWD) was involved in an incident with a security guard at a bookstore in a mall in Quezon City.

In a statement on Sunday, the NCDA “recommended that establishments ensure due process, fair treatment, and coordination with law enforcement in handling cases.”

The NCDA sent a staff member to speak with store management, which confirmed that the PWD had allegedly attempted to take items and place them in a bag on several occasions.

Article continues after this advertisement

According to the NCDA, store management said the person had not been discriminated against or banned from the store.

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

Bookstore personnel also reported previous incidents in which the individual allegedly harmed security guards and employees.

“Illegal acts like theft must go through legal channels with due process,” the NCDA said.

According to the SM North Edsa Customer Relations Services (CRS) office, the security guard seen in the viral video has been placed under preventive suspension while the incident is under investigation.

The NCDA recommended verifying the individual’s identity in coordination with the local Persons with Disability Affairs Office for possible intervention.

Article continues after this advertisement

SM CRS will provide the NCDA with the agency’s full incident report once completed.

“Security measures must be reasonable, non-discriminatory, and respectful of dignity at all times,” the NCDA said.

Article continues after this advertisement

The government organization stressed that persons with disabilities, like everyone else, are equal before the law and accountable for their actions.

At the same time, the NCDA warned against stereotyping or profiling persons with disabilities based on a single incident.

“Most persons with disabilities are law-abiding and contribute positively to society,” the NCDA said.

“The public is urged to avoid discrimination and profiling,” it added.

READ: NCDA defends Cendaña vs ‘artwork’ mocking his medical condition

The NCDA said it will continue monitoring the case to ensure that neither discrimination nor impunity prevails.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.

“Justice and inclusion are not opposing values; they go hand in hand,” the NCDA said. /mcm