AUTHORITIES reminded the leaders of progressive groups who will hold protests on Thursday, September 21, in line with National Day of Protest, to adhere to the rules in conducting mass rally and cooperate with them for a peaceful assembly.
Police Regional Office (PRO)-Davao Region spokesperson Police Chief Inspector Andrea dela Cerna told reporters Wednesday that police officers are all set to monitor the activities of the protesters Tuesday, as they urged the militant leaders to be responsible for their fellow protesters’ actions and to avoid the eruption of violence.
“We would like to remind the leaders that they are responsible for the actions of their group. Iiwasan ang mga violent activities at sana hindi ito humantong ito sa kaguluhan at pagkasira ng establisemento (Avoid violent activities and hopefully it won’t escalate to chaos and destruction of establishment),” Dela Cerna said.
Dela Cerna said since Martial Law is still in effect, they remain in full alert status and will be vigilant in supervising the activities of the rallyists today to ensure that no untoward incidents will happen.
“We will be showing our maximum restraint and tolerance among our ranks and alam naman po natin na (we know that) according to police operational procedures, hindi naman allowed ang armas (armed weapons are prohibited),” she said.
She also noted that they are looking into the possibility that there might be nuisance protesters who will go along with the protesters and cause commotion or violence to provoke the security officers.
“We will be supervising baka may makisakay sa mga activities at sila ang mag cause nga kaguluhan (because there might be some who will join with the activities and cause chaos) among their ranks,” she said.
For his part, Task Force Davao Commander Colonel Nolasco Mempin said they will likewise impose maximum tolerance in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP).
They will serve as the second layer in terms of security as the PNP personnel will be the frontrunner in terms of security monitoring.
As to the number, he added that they have more than enough security because of the additional personnel whom they initially requested for the security coverage of the Philippine Councilors League from the Joint Task Force Haribon.
It was supposed to be terminated Tuesday but they requested for their extension until Thursday for the commemoration.
For the protesters upon entering the city, he said they will still implement the usual security inspection in the checkpoints to ensure that no member of the lawless armed group will penetrate the city.
He has also urged the public as well as the protesters to bear with them during the inspection as it is only part of the security process.
“We are still in Martial Law. The normal process on entering Davao City is still in effect. For this purpose, those who are possible to conduct A rally, they have to go to the same process even bulk or convoy, they have to undergo inspection and validation,” he said.
He added that the leader could also have prior coordination with them so they could provide inspection beforehand in order not to impede the regular commuters, as long as they will provide the specific time of when they are travelling.