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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider PNP warns agitators, organizers of rallies amid COVID-19 pandemic

PNP warns agitators, organizers of rallies amid COVID-19 pandemic

Published Apr 1, 2020 12:00 am
By Aaron Recuenco Agitators and organizers of mass actions amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic will face the full force of the law. The Philippine National Police (PNP) issued the warning on Wednesday following the arrest of 20 members of a militant urban poor group, allegedly led by a certain Jocy Lopez, for holding a rally in Quezon City. Philippine National Police (MANILA BULLETIN) Philippine National Police (MANILA BULLETIN) The group reportedly held a public assembly in Barangay San Roque along EDSA in Quezon City to demand food and other basic needs that were not reportedly provided by the government amid the lockdown. President Duterte had earlier promised to respond to the needs of the poor people who were affected by the enhanced community quarantine which resulted in the suspension of work and public transport. PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa reminded the public that while they respect the laws pertaining to the conduct of protest actions, he said mass assemblies are inappropriate this time due to the current situation relating to COVID-19. “The police remains on top of the situation and will continue to enforce to the letter all policies and guidelines in response to the national COVID-19 emergency,” said Gamboa. Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas, director of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), said those arrested will be charged with violation of RA 11332 on Response to Notifiable Diseases, Epidemics, and Health Events of Public Health Concern; RA 11469- declaring the existence of a national emergency arising from COVID-19; Presidential Proclamation No. 922- Declaring a state of public health emergency throughout the Philippines; and Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code for disobedience to persons in authority. “I understand the challenges that go with the implementation of our enhanced community quarantine. However, we have our own sacrifices to make to win this battle with the unseen,” said Sinas. “The safest place to be right now is at home. So please, stay at home. Let us end the spread of this pandemic together. We cannot do this alone,” he added. For his part, PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac appealed to the public to remain in their homes and diligently observe the community quarantine protocols until further orders from the public health authorities. “Government remains responsive to their concerns, no less than President Rodrigo R Duterte has assured that the needy will benefit most from the P200-billion social amelioration program rolled-out by government in response to the socio-economic effects to the Philippines of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Banac.
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