"Di ganun ang Pinoy': DILG doubts violent protests over flood control mess but PNP has security plan
The Philippine National Police (PNP) assured the public of its readiness to respond to any civil unrest similar to at least two countries in Southeast Asia amid the controversy brought by the alleged massive corruption in government’s flood control projects.
Although security assessments revealed no immediate threats of deadly protests, acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. said they are closely monitoring the situation and added that they have contingency measures in place.
"We already have our security plan for dispersal or crowd management and for security," Nartatez said.
Violent protests rocked Nepal in the past days, initiated by angry young citizens over allegations of massive corruption by government officials.
At least 30 people were reported to have died while more than 1,000 others were reportedly injured.
Protest actions were also reported in Indonesia over huge allowances allegedly allocated to lawmakers despite social inequality and concerns on unemployment in the country.
On Thursday, Sept. 11, around 200 protesters trooped to the EDSA Shrine to demand accountability over anomalous multi-billion peso worth of flood control projects.
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla, however, expressed belief that the violent protest actions in Nepal and Indonesia will not happen in the Philippines.
“Filipinos are not like that. Even at our worst, we do not resort to arson. But of course, all contingencies are considered. We will be prepared,” said Remulla.
“The operative phrase is people want accountability, but not instability. So we will prevent the instability. We will implement maximum tolerance. We understand that people have grievances and it is nothing to take advantage of if they have permits, freedom to assemble,” he added.
Nartatez, for his part, said the PNP is prepared for any eventuality.
"We have security plans that have been set and then we also have our information that we can focus on or this information that is the basis for any operation, and continuously, we are monitoring the peace and order and safety in Metro Manila," said Nartatez.