POLICE Capt. Charisma Gonzales, information officer of the Cebu City Police Office, said security measures are in place for the Sept. 21 rally in Cebu City.(Contributed photo)
CEBU CITY – Police here are gearing up for the rally on Sunday, Sept. 21.
Police Capt. Charisma Gonzales, information officer of the Cebu City Police Office, assured that protesters' rights will be respected.
Gonzales advised organizers of the rally to secure permits from the city government to ensure smooth conduct of the activity.
She said the rally on Sunday, Sept. 14, at the Plaza Independencia was cut short after organizers failed to present permits.
Despite this, protesters were allowed to express their sentiments before they were asked to disperse.
Gonzales said the rally on Sunday is expected to draw a huge crowd as it will be held in time for the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of the Martial Law.
“As police officers, our goal is to maintain peace and order and ensure public safety. We want to make sure that it will not affect those who will not be participating in the rally,” said Gonzales.
Various protests have been held as anger over the supposed massive corruption over anomalous flood control projects continue to intensify.
On Monday morning, Sept. 15, students, faculty members, and administrators of the University of the Philippines-Cebu staged what they described as “Day of Indignation.”
Students walked out of their classrooms and gathered outside the campus on Gorordo Ave.
They demanded accountability as they raised various issues, including what they alleged as rampant corruption in the government.
Gonzales said the rally ended peacefully.
Police were sent to the rally to ensure the safety of not just the public but also of the students,said Gonzales.