MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Saturday said they will abide by the decision of the Quezon City government to allow both progressive groups and supporters of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to hold gatherings during the chief executive’s first State of the Nation Address (Sona).
PNP officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. said, “We will abide by the decision of the city government and we will make the necessary adjustments just to ensure that we play no favor to any group.”
The Quezon City Government on Friday approved the mass actions of both progressive and Marcos-allied groups along Commonwealth Avenue for the Marcos’ Sona on Monday.
READ: QC OKs pro- and anti-Marcos rallies along Commonwealth Ave. during Sona
This, after Bagong Alyansang Makabayan’s (Bayan) request for a rally permit was earlier denied by the Quezon City Department of Public Order and Safety. Bayan had appealed to the local government to reverse the decision.
READ: Bayan appeals denied rally permit for Bongbong Marcos’ 1st Sona
Because of the said development, Danao said the PNP will recalibrate its security deployment.
“Advance coordination with the concerned agencies and offices will be made to avoid confusion and inconvenience among the general public,” Danao said.
Danao also requested the groups “to conduct their mass protests peacefully.”