NGOs cry harassment as cops seize giveaways
MANILA, Philippines — Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) who distributed face masks, alcohol, and food in front of a public school in Quezon City on Monday have accused the police of harassing them by driving them away and confiscating their giveaways.
The police, however, defended their actions by saying that it was their job to maintain peace and order “in a learning environment.”
In a statement on Tuesday, Salinlahi Alliance for Children’s Concerns condemned “to the highest degree the intimidation and harassment” experienced by its members from the Quezon City Police District (QCPD).
In a video posted online by the College Editors Guild of the Philippines, a dozen members of Salinlahi and the Children’s Rehabilitation Center were shown distributing food and hygiene materials to students of President Corazon Aquino Elementary School in Barangay Batasan Hills.
Placards seizedA scuffle then broke out as their giveaways were confiscated by QCPD policemen who also took their placards and a sign with the message: “Ligtas na balik-eskwela, ipaglaban! (Fight for a safe return to school).”Members of the Gabriela National Alliance of Women were also present.
Students who witnessed the confrontation between the police and the NGOs have been provided with counseling, according to the Department of Education (DepEd).
“Most of the learners that witnessed the event already received counseling right after the event transpired. The rest were given counseling sessions earlier today,” Michael Poa, DepEd spokesperson, told the Inquirer on Tuesday.
The head of the QCPD released a statement defending his men, saying the groups “suddenly brought out streamers and placards containing protest statements, thus disrupting the movement of parents and students. Their actions also threatened to trigger a traffic bottleneck on the busy road.”
“Despite our diplomatic efforts, the protesters refused to leave. Peace and order should be kept in a learning environment. Our personnel had to confiscate the streamers and placards because they didn’t heed our request,” QCPD director Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III said.
Salinlahi spokesperson Vinzar Samiana, however, disputed his claim, saying the parents and children were “receptive and grateful for the initiative.”
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, for her part, also defended the police, saying the groups had no permit in the first place.
—WITH A REPORT FROM DEMPSEY REYES
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