NCRPO to demonstrators: Make noise but keep the peace

Demonstrators can express their concerns loudly and passionately while maintaining peace and order during President Rodrigo Duterte ’s third State of the Nation Address (Sona), National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief General Guillermo Eleazar said on Monday.

“Asahan natin na maingay ito, marami, madamdamin pero ang mahalaga ay mapayapa at maayos,” he said.

In an interview with Radyo Inquirer, Eleazar advised both pro and anti-Duterte administration to observe peace and order by following their leaders’ instructions in agreement with the NCRPO.

“Sa ating mga kababayan na sasama sa mga programa, whether you belong sa pro or anti, ang aming pakiusap ay sundin n’yo ang mga alituntunin na ibibigay sa inyo ng mga leader ng grupo n’yo dahil nag-usap kami niyan,” he stressed.

During the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) dialogue with community leaders and stakeholders for Sona 2018 on July 18, the PNP together with leaders of different organizations discussed arrangements that will maintain a peaceful and orderly program on the day of the Sona.

“Ang mahalaga – sabi nga ng pangulo – bigyan ng pagkakataon sila na ilabas ang kanilang mga saloobin. Ang ating kapulisan naman – sa direktiba ng ating chief PNP (General Oscar Albayalde) – panatilihing maayos at mapayapa ang mga programa sa Sona,” he said.

Meanwhile, Eleazar also advised motorists to expect heavy traffic along Commonwealth Avenue, where the demonstrations would be centered, as they would close the lanes at about noon to give way to protesters.

“Even walang klase ang lahat ng antas ng paaralan sa Metro Manila, merong magco-commute, tatahak dito, asahan nyo talagang maii-stress kayo dito dahil sa tindi ng daloy ng trapiko,” he said.

The programs of both pro and anti-administration are expected to end at around 6 p.m. and the lanes are expected to be cleared by 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. /cbb / Syrah Vivien Inocencio/INQUIRER.net intern