INTERIOR Secretary Eduardo Año has ordered the PNP to exercise maximum tolerance in dealing with rallies being launched by supporters of Vice President Leni Robredo to protest the result of the elections.
“My order to the PNP is to ensure public order at all times and to exercise maximum tolerance in handling rallies and demonstrations,” Año said yesterday.
Supporters of Robredo have launched a series of protests since election initial results showed her opponent, former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. enjoying a large margin.
Año said the protesters have the right to express their grievances but said their actions should be done in a peaceful manner.
“People have freedom to express their sentiments and reactions but they must be done within the bounds of law and order. We urge the people to file their protest and complaint to proper authorities, particularly to the Comelec,” said Año.
“The election last May 9 was peaceful and orderly; and let us wait for the official proclamation of the winners. After that, we have to respect the voices of the majority and lest us work together for the good of our country and people,” Año added.
PNP director for operations Maj. Gen Valeriano de Leon warned protesters against committing violent acts.
“Our preparation now is on the unauthorized rallies, they should not be held. The unruly, the violent (protesters) will have to be arrested because they might (endanger others),” said De Leon.
“We have areas where we could air our grievances but if you hamper the flow of traffic, policemen will have to move,” De Leon said.
PNP officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. urged the public to be discerning on social media posts.
Danao made the statement after a video came out showing policemen tearing ballots in Cotabato City.
“We wish to reiterate our advice to the public to be wary of disinformation circulating in social media especially during this election period,” said Danao.
Danao said the PNP “fact-checked” and found that the policemen on the video were actually serving as members of the Special Board of Election Inspectors. He said their designation was approved by Cotabato City election officer Nasroding Mustapha.
Citing a report from Cotabato City police chief Col. Rommel Javier, Danao said that after the casting of the votes ended at 7 p.m. last Monday, the policemen “were mandated to tear up the unused blank official ballot sheets” in keeping with the Omnibus Election Code.
Danao said the incident was witnessed by election officials and watchers of political parties.
“We hope this clarification and verified information puts this matter to rest and further enlightened the public of the election rules and procedures,” said Danao.
