Cops arrest 51 people for vandalism, other offenses ahead of SONA
Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel, including those from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and various regional police units, are stationed in front of St. Peter Parish along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City as of 6:30 a.m. Monday, July 27, ahead of the expected protest rallies during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA). (Trixee Rosel/MANILABULLETIN)
At least 51 people were arrested for various violations that include vandalism ahead of the State of the Nation Address of President Marcos, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Monday, July 27.
Aside from vandalism, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. said those arrested violated the Batas Pambansa 880, or the Public Assembly Act, and local ordinance relating to covering face when entering public or private establishments or when stopped on public roads and crime prone areas.
“We have a reason to have a valid arrest and they were accosted because of violations of ordinances and special laws and local ordinances especially those covering their faces,” said Nartatez.
“You remember what happened in September last year? We will not allow them to create trouble on the roads that affect the peaceful conduct of protest actions,” he added.
Nartatez was referring to the incident in Manila last year when a group of teenagers wearing masks and bonnets attacked policemen and started setting up fire on police barricades.
Scores of policemen were injured during the surprise attack that happened at the height of the anti-corruption rally at the Luneta in Manila on Sept. 21 last year.
He confirmed that 51 people were arrested and they were caught in the act of violating the law, adding that most of them were collared for vandalism.
He said appropriate criminal charges will be filed against them.
More than 21,000 policemen were deployed in various parts of Quezon City and Metro Manila as part of the security measures for Marco’s 5th SONA.