Cops warned against joining anti-government protest actions

PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Generoso Cerbo Jr. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

The Philippine National Police warned their members against joining a multi-sectoral protest action scheduled on Feb. 22, days before the 29th anniversary of the Edsa People Power revolution.

Pointing out that such activities should not have an armed component, the PNP reminded policemen that they are not allowed to take part in such activities since they are with the government.

“Our citizens are free to conduct protest actions as long as they have the required permit to rally. If they will invite uniformed personnel, that’s a different story. Those in the PNP cannot join anti-government rallies,” said PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Generoso Cerbo Jr.

The planned protest actions this weekend in different parts of Metro Manila will feature motorcades and an ecumenical Mass at the Edsa Shrine at noon, according to the Facebook page, EDSA dos bente dos coalition.

The event will call for “real change and reform” following the Jan. 25 Mamasapano incident which killed 44 members of the PNP’s Special Action Force.

Some uniformed policemen are reportedly planning to join the protest action as security detail.

Cerbo pointed out that if the organizers need security, they can easily request it from the PNP or the National Capital Region Police Office which will deploy policemen to the venues.

He assured the public that despite rumors of a coup d’etat and destabilization efforts, and with the scheduled protest, the PNP sees no reason for loyalty checks among its 150,000 personnel.

“We don’t see any justification to go to certain units and conduct a loyalty check of our men. Our policemen understand their duty and mandate to serve and protect,” Cerbo added.