INTERIOR Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla yesterday told the PNP to observe maximum tolerance and allow demonstrators to air their grievances over anomalous government flood control projects.
Remulla issued the order amid plans by some groups to stage more protest actions to denounce corruption involving government officials, lawmakers and contractors.
Similar protests occurred in the past several days, some of them held at the Department of Public Works and Highways building in Manila and at the Pasig City residence of the Discaya family, which has been linked to the irregularities.
Yesterday, some 500 protesters also held demonstrations at the Edsa Shrine. They belong to several groups, including Tindig Pilipinas, Akbayan and ML party list group.
The National Capital Region Police Office said the groups started holding their program at 10:10 a.m. and ended at 11:47 a.m. without any untoward incident.
The protesters demanded an end to the corruption in the government. They said people involved in the anomalous flood control projects should be held accountable.
Asked what his directive to the PNP was, Remulla said: “To be present, to be patient, (observe) maximum tolerance and to respect the sentiments.
“We have to be sensitive to the grievances of the people; they need an outlet. The more you suppress, the worse it gets. So let us allow them to hold protests if that is what they want,” said Remulla.
Remulla said the government will not prevent people from holding protests but said such actions should be conducted peacefully.
“All contingencies have been considered but our operative phrase here is people want accountability but not instability. So we will prevent the instability,” said Remulla.
“We are observing maximum tolerance. We understand that people have grievances…they have freedom to assemble,” the DILG chief added.
NCRPO spokesperson Maj. Hazel Asilo said the NCRPO is on a heightened alert amid the protests.
Asilo said they are anticipating more rallies to be held today and on Saturday.
“We are preparing for the rallies on the 12th and 13th,” said Asilo, adding that the NCRPO is checking and monitoring if there will be more rallies beyond these dates.
In a statement, the NCRPO assured the public that it is “fully prepared to maintain peace, order, and security amid the ongoing and upcoming protest actions across Metro Manila.
“While we exercise maximum tolerance, we will not allow any violation of the law. We respect and uphold the constitutional right of every Filipino to assemble and express their views,” it said.
The NCRPO also reminded the public that freedom to hold protest actions must be exercised “peacefully and responsibly, without endangering public safety or disrupting community life.
“Our police units are on full alert and ready to protect both demonstrators and the general public,” it said.
It added that security measures are in place to prevent untoward incidents such as clashes, vandalism, and traffic disruptions.
“We appeal to all participants to conduct their activities with discipline and respect for the law. We also advise the public to remain alert, avoid protest areas when possible, and cooperate with authorities for everyone’s safety,” the NCRPO added.
“The NCRPO remains committed to keeping Metro Manila safe, orderly, and secure—where freedom and responsibility always go hand in hand,” it added.
Remulla dismissed the possibility of protests similar to those in Nepal and Indonesia.
Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned last Tuesday amid protests against corruption, with demonstrators storming the parliament complex and setting homes of some politicians on fire.
In Indonesia, political parties have agreed to revoke some state-funded perks that their members receive in a bid to quell protests.
On the possibility that the rallies in Metro Manila, in relation to anomalous government flood control projects, reaching the level of massive protests like in Nepal and Indonesia, Remulla replied: “No.”
“Filipinos are not like that. Even at our worst, we do not resort to burning,” said Remulla.
“Nevertheless, all contingencies are considered. We will be prepared but I think these (protests in the Philippines) will not reach that level (in Nepal and Indonesia),” said Remulla.
Acting PNP chief Gen. Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the PNP has made preparations to prevent incidents similar to that in Nepal and Indonesia.
“We have readied our security plan for dispersal or crowd management and security,” said Nartatez.
“We are continuously monitoring the peace and order and safety in Metro Manila, not only in Metro Manila but nationwide,” said Nartatez.
