Cops singing beside protesters are from NCRPO, not QCPD, says Belmonte

Police officers sing ‘karaoke’ songs as protesters from Southern Tagalog hold demonstrations in Quezon city during President Ferdinand Marcos’ second Sona on Monday, July 24, 2023.

MANILA, Philippines — The office of Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Monday clarified the police officers who were having live singing performances near the site where protesters gathered in time for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos’ State of the Nation Address (Sona) were members of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and not the local police.

According to Belmonte’s office, they received a complaint against the performances because they were being held right beside a program being conducted by some groups from Southern Tagalog.

“Matapos itong imbistegahan ay ating napag-alamanan na ang mga pulis na nasa video ay mula sa NCRPO at hindi sa QCPD (Quezon City Police District),” the office of the QC mayor said on Twitter.

(After investigating it, we found out that the police officers in the video are from the NCRPO and not from the QCPD.)

“Ang inyong concern ay aming ipinahatid na sa PNP upang maaksyunan, at para masigurado na magiging malaya at mapayapa ang pagpapahayag ng mga raliyista sa kanilang mga hinaing,” it added.

(We have forwarded your concern to the PNP for action, and to ensure that the protesters will be free and so that they can peacefully express their grievances.)

The incident drew the ire of some netizens.

Some persons said it was a blatant disrespect for protesters who were permitted to air their sentiments in a public demonstration.

#SONA2023: Meanwhile, police officers hold a live performance almost right beside the protest groups. | @zacariansINQ pic.twitter.com/5nHza11QKd

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 24, 2023

“NAPAKABASTOS ng [QCPD]. Habang naglulunsad ng programa ang mga magsasaka at kabataan mula sa Southern Tagalog para ipahayag ang kalagayan at mga isyung bitbit nila ngayong araw, imbes na pakinggan, NAG-VIVIDEOKE ang QCPD para hindi marinig ang programa ng mamamayan,” one netizen said.

(QCPD is VERY RUDE. While farmers and youth from Southern Tagalog were launching a program to express their condition and issues they are carrying today, instead of listening, QCPD were singing through VIDEOKE so that the people’s program would not be heard.)

“Pinayagan ngang mag-protesta ih tapos sasabayan ng maingay na patugtog ng pulis???? so paano maririnig ng masa ang panawagan ng mga aktibista???” another one asked.

(They were allowed to protest but they were accompanied by loud sound of music from the police???? so how can the masses hear the call of the activists???)

INQUIRER.net sought a comment from NCRPO, but has yet to receive a reply, as of this writing.

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