Tensions rise between police, militant groups over Voltes V song in Cebu

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Tensions rose between militant groups and some policemen during a rally in front of the headquarters of the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7) here on Monday.

At least 150 members of cause-oriented groups were holding a rally to commemorate the anniversary of the Edsa revolution in front of Camp Sergio Osmeña when the police suddenly played the theme song of Voltes V, a popular anime television series in the 1980s.

Chief Supt. Debold Sinas, police director for Central Visayas, who holds office at Camp Sergio Osmeña, was reportedly a fan of the show and collects replicas of the robot.

The music was so loud that the militants could hardly hear the speeches. The group then marched toward the gate of the police camp and started shaking it.

Senior Supt. Ronald Oliver Lee, chief directorial staff of PRO-7, then instructed the police officers to disperse the group because they were getting “unruly.”

“We told them not to destroy any property. If they are going to destroy (property) then we will arrest them. We already allowed them to conduct their rally, just don’t destroy any property,” he said.

After a brief argument with the police, the group left.

Professor Phoebe Zoe Sanchez, who was among those in the rally, said the police were disrespectful because they played the music too loud during the rally.

Sanchez said rallies are normal in democratic countries since the people have the right to express their sentiments against the government.

“The voices of people should be given a chance. Imo gyud paminawon. Dili nimo paminawon imong gilabag (You should listen. If you won’t listen to the voice of the people, you violate their rights),” she added. /ee