PNP assures maximum tolerance but asks protest organizers to police own rank during SONA
As maximum tolerance is assured for the State of the Nation Address (SONA), the Philippine National Police (PNP) is asking protest organizers to reciprocate by implementing measures to avoid unnecessary confrontation and ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of the rallies.
For PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., the rule of give and take applies in the conduct of protest actions as a balance between the right of the people to protest and the mandate of the police to maintain peace and order and ensure the safety of everybody.
“Every individual and every group has the right to express opinion and air grievances and we assure each and every one of them that the PNP will respect and even protect that right,” said Nartatez.
“All that we ask is for them to respect police officers on the ground and their mandate to maintain peace and order,” he added.
President Marcos will hold his 5th SONA on July 27 at the Batasang Pambansa and various groups have already declared that they will hold activities. The SONA will also coincide with the founding anniversary of Iglesia Ni Cristo.
More than 21,000 policemen will be deployed and 3,000 more will be placed on standby for any eventuality. Police forces in Metro Manila will be on full alert status by 5 p.m. on July 24.
Nartatez said protest organizers are encouraged to secure the necessary permits and coordinate with local authorities for their activities, stressing that this protocol is not only about legal matters but a security and peace order measure.
He said proper coordination with authorities is necessary to ensure public safety and effective security operations, adding that concerned police commanders were already tasked to ensure the strategic deployment of sufficient personnel and resources at rally venues.
“Maximum tolerance will be strictly by our personnel amid these activities. I also instructed our chiefs of police to ensure the strategic deployment of personnel and resources to secure these activities,” Nartatez said.