PNP designates CHR compound as another Sona protest site
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday designated another freedom park, the Commission on Human Rights compound, where groups can hold rallies during the first State of the Nation Address (Sona) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on July 25.
This development came after the PNP on Tuesday announced allowing protests inside the University of the Philippines-Diliman and Quezon City Memorial Circle, given that participants secure permits from concerned local government units and offices.
READ: PNP allows Sona-related rallies inside UP Diliman, QC Circle if with permit
PNP Director for Operations chief Maj. Gen. Valeriano De Leon reminded protesters to rally only inside the three designated freedom parks, saying that PNP Officer-in-Charge Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. instructed them to exercise maximum tolerance to violators.
“We appeal to the organizers of the protest actions to limit their activities in these freedom parks to prevent disturbance of the smooth traffic flow in the area and to avoid unnecessary confrontation with the police,” De Leon said in a statement.
“If they go out of the freedom parks and it will disturb traffic and peace and order, then we will disperse them at all cost,” he added.
De Leon also mentioned that Bagong Alyansang Makabayan had filed a request with the Quezon City government so that groups could hold protests along Commonwealth Avenue.
But they are still verifying with the local government whether this had been granted already, De Leon said.
Aside from having maximum tolerance for possible violators, De Leon said they would also prohibit the burning of effigies.
The PNP said over 22,000 police personnel and force multipliers, which initially were around 15,000, will be sent out for the upcoming Sona.
READ: Over 21,000 security personnel to be deployed for Bongbong Marcos’ first Sona
De Leon further noted that the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) already released a traffic rerouting plan, adding that Batasan Road will be closed on July 25 as many people are expected to attend the said event.
READ: MMDA issues traffic rerouting plan for Marcos’ first Sona
Motorists were advised to take alternate routes that the MMDA has laid out, as heavy traffic is expected along Commonwealth Avenue. –Nicole Faye Agcaoili, INQUIRER.net trainee
