GROUPS planning to stage protest rallies during the canvassing of votes for the presidential and vice presidential race in the May 9 elections at the Batasan complex should secure a permit from the local government unit of Quezon City.
PNP director for operations Maj. Gen. Valeriano De Leon warned rallies without permits will be dispersed by policemen who will secure the canvassing starting today.
De Leon said the police will rallies without permits will only be allowed to be held in freedom parks.
“We are governed by rules,” stressed Danao, adding: “Otherwise, it’s either we disperse them or we will arrest the organizers or those who are leading these (protests) because I’m sure peace and order will be affected if these are not done at the right time, at the right place and at the right way.”
De Leon said there will be “enough” number of policemen who will be posted in the Batasan complex to secure the canvassing site.
He added police officers have been given instructions to observe maximum tolerance when dealing with the protesters.
“As mentioned by our PNP OIC (officer-in-charge) Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr, the PNP will observe maximum tolerance in order to respect their right to stage protests to voice their issue,” he said.
In a press briefing, Danao said the Senate and House of Representatives will each be secured by a company of policemen, or about 120 personnel, to ensure that the canvassing will not be hampered.
“They will also prevent rallies, if there will be any,” said Danao of the policemen.
To the policemen, Danao said: “Let us always exercise maximum tolerance, especially in dealing with those rallyists.”
To the protesters, Danao said the PNP respects their right to express their grievances. However, he said these protests should be held in the right places.
“If you are holding it an area where it is not allowed, especially in the canvassing areas, you will be really dispersed,” said Danao.
