MANILA, Philippines — The Manila Police District (MPD) is now looking for those behind the sale of Chinese flags at the Luneta Park, Manila Police director Brig. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. said Tuesday.
In a text message to reporters, Danao said the MPD is “on the process of identifying the suspects who maliciously ordered the display and selling of Chinese flags in an unauthorized place.”
Danao said once the police identifies those behind the sale of the flags, they may face charges for violation of Republic Act 8491 which prescribes the code of the national flag, anthem, motto, coat-of-arms, and other heraldic items and devices of the Philippines.
Under Section 34 of the law, Danao said that it is forbidden to display in public any foreign flag, except embassies and other diplomatic establishments, and in offices of international organization; and to use, display or be part of any advertisement or infomercial.
Police intervention came after photos of vendors supposedly selling the flags at the park went viral on social media, days before the observance of the Philippine Independence Day on Wednesday.
The National Parks Development Committee (NPDC) later said the photos showing the alleged sale of the Chinese flags were staged.
Vendors interviewed by the NPDC said a man offered them P100 to act as if they were selling the flags.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde ordered the MPD on Monday to verify the supposed sale of the Chinese flags. (Editor: Mike U. Frialde)
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