PNP to arrest foreigners in anti-Apec protests

The Philippine National Police (PNP) will be relentless in arresting foreigners who will be found participating in protests slamming the country’s hosting of the 2015 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit.

In an interview, PNP Spokesperson Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor said that once the foreigners are identified, the arrest will be done in coordination with the Bureau of Immigration.

“They are not allowed to express their political sentiments or activities here in the country because they are foreigners,” Mayor said.

“We will do that (arrest) in coordination with the Bureau of Immigration. [The arrest will be done] after, as much as possible, rather than in this situation with great tension. Again, the Bureau of Immigration will take action on this,” he added.

READ: Dozens of anti-Apec protesters hurt in clash with cops in Pasay, say groups

Mayor made the statement after reports stated that some foreigners were seen participating in the anti-Apec protest which was staged by an estimated 1,000 protesters on Thursday.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that a fair-skinned, foreign-looking man was seen with the protesters as they were hosed down by water cannon from policemen.

The man was seen wearing a white “Junk APEC” strip of cloth around his forehead and a pair of eyeglasses.

READ: At least 28 protesters injured as police, militants clash in Buendia

The PNP has said that they will adhere to the principle of maximum tolerance against the protesters. However, militant groups claimed that dozens from their ranks were injured following a scuffle between anti-riot policemen. RAM

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