PNP units on heightened alert amid expected Labor Day protests
Video by Noy Morcoso
The Philippine National Police is ready for the mass actions on Friday as it raises alert status in different police units nationwide ahead of the Labor Day celebration.
“The PNP will extend full cooperation and support to participants in projected mass actions only within the bounds of law. We can tolerate lawful expressions and peaceful assemblies, but, will never compromise the rule of law and the right of the majority to feel safe, secured and convenient,” PNP spokesperson Senior Superintendent Bartolome Tobias said Thursday
In a press briefing, Tobias said police offices in Luzon and Visayas are now on heightened status while the Mindanao police are on full alert.
Police in Metro Manila, where thousand are expected to take part in rallies in different areas, will be augmented by police forces from the regions of Ilocos, Central Luzon and Calabarzon.
But the PNP also sought cooperation from the protest organizers to guard their own ranks “against infiltrators and saboteurs who may take advantage of the situation.”
“We assure that there will be no confrontation, no dispersal, and no use of compelling force if only public assemblies are held in accordance with law, and all actions are well within legal bounds,” he said.
For peaceful and orderly demonstrations, Tobias asked protest leaders to coordinate closely with the police by keeping their communication lines open with police authorities on the ground.
“Police cameramen will be deployed in areas of engagement to document on tape all activities of our own troops and the ranks of groups holding public assemblies,” he added. IDL
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