Remulla: PBBM okay with peaceful protests, but maintains zero tolerance on anarchy, violence
By Chito Chavez
The administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong’’ Marcos, Jr. respects the people’s rights to conduct peaceful protests but has zero tolerance to any form of violence or disorder, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic’’ Remulla asserted on Monday, Oct. 13.
“Everybody has the right to air grievances. Pero hindi kami papayag sa anarchy, hindi kami papayag sa violence. But the right to air your grievances is okay lang (But we will not allow anarchy to prevail, we will not allow violence, But it is okay to express to air your grievances),’’ Remulla stressed.
Remulla personally went to the the Forbes Park in Makati City to check the situation and give instructions to the police after reports disclosed that a protest action will be held in front of the area at 10 p.m. on Sunday night, Oct. 12, prompting the deployment of police personnel to ensure that the assembly will be peaceful.
Together with the Philippine National Police (PNP), Remulla vowed that the DILG will continue to monitor the ground for any developments.
“Wala eh. Nag-monitor kami buong gabi. The most we had, maybe a hundred protesters (There was nothing. We monitored the whole night. The most we had, maybe a hundred protesters),’’ Remulla said.
The DILG chief confirmed having spoken with President Ferdinand “Bongbong’’ Marcos Jr. whose guidance was clear and measured.
“Sabi niya take care of the situation, ayun lang. Hindi naman siya nagpapanic, sabi lang niya, make sure no one gets hurt (He said take care of the situation, that’s all. He did not panic, he only said make sure no one gets hurt),’’ he added.
He reiterated the primary mission of the PNP in maintaining peace and order is “civilian peacekeeping ang mission ng PNP. If may mga threats, we always take the threat seriously (the mission of the PNP is civilian peacekeeping. If there are threats, we always take them seriously).’’
The DILG also called on the public to remain calm and continue cooperating with law enforcement to ensure law and order.