No antigov’t, political slogans in 44-km ‘SAF 44’ march

MANILA, Philippines—No antigovernment slogans, please.

The organizers of the nationwide march for the 44 slain Special Action Force (SAF) commandos on Wednesday said antigovernment banners would not be allowed during the March 8 event.

In a statement, the Philippine National Police Academy Alumni Association Inc. (PNPAAAI) thanked various groups that declared support for the event marking the 44th day of mourning for the SAF troopers who were killed in a gun battle with Moro rebels after a counterterrorism operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao province, on Jan. 25.

The group urged “all peace-loving citizens” to participate in related events in other areas across the country.

“The (alumni association) expresses its gratitude to the entire Filipino nation for their unwavering support,” said retired Chief Supt. Tomas Rentoy III, PNPAAAI chair.

Rentoy reminded the participants that the event is “apolitical” and that they are prohibited from bringing oversized streamers containing the names of groups and organizations.

March for justice

The 44-kilometer walk-run event, dubbed “March for Justice for SAF 44,” will start in Dasmariñas City, Cavite province, and end at Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City.

Related activities will be held in other areas with the theme “Walk with the Widows, Run for our Heroes.”

“The PNPAAAI is greatly heartened by the massive outpouring of support from many sectors and the public in general for the (march),” Rentoy said.

“The alumni association welcomes all those who have manifested their intent to join the nationwide activity… The march remains open to the public,” he added.

To ensure peace and order, the PNPAAAI set security guidelines for those who would attend the daylong activity, which, it said, was also intended to “sustain focus on the demand for justice for (the) SAF 44.”

Banned things

Besides oversized banners, “offensive, libelous, inflammatory or antigovernment statements, leaflets, handouts, placards or tarpaulins” will be barred from the event, Rentoy said.

He said the “burning of effigies or similar protest action materials” was also prohibited as well as the bringing of backpacks, bags, luggage and other nontransparent containers.

“Only transparent bottles of water, juice and other nonalcoholic beverages may be brought in and carried by participants,” Rentoy said.

He also called on the participants to maintain cleanliness along the march routes by bringing with them transparent garbage bags for their trash.