QC police chief urges Sona protesters to ‘be mature enough’ during rallies

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The director of the Quezon City Police District urged protesters during President Aquino’s State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday (July 28) to “be mature enough” so as not to create unnecessary trouble or injuries.

QCPD initiated a dialogue on Sona preparations on Wednesday but most leaders of cause-oriented groups did not show up.

“We need to talk to them. Unfortunately, they’re not here,” Chief Supt. Richard Albano, the QCPD director, said.

“They’re probably busy. But we’re also busy ensuring peace and security,” he said.

Albano said the protesters should know their limit and follow the law.

“We have a media box. If they want to be heard, they can go there. Why do they have to insist on going to the House of Representatives?” Albano said.

He said the leaders would be held responsible for the actions of their group members.

“The police will only react if they will initiate,” he said.

To avoid a repeat of a Sona incident wherein a cop was reduced to tears at the height of tensions with protesters, PNP Director General Alan Purisima has issued a directive to policemen to be in their best state physically and mentally, according to Chief Supt. Reuben Theodore Sindac, the PNP spokesman.

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