The Philippine National Police (PNP) urged the public not to conduct protests on Araw ng Kalayaan, June 12 in the face of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) threat.
“May umiiral pa rin tayong community quarantine upang labanan nga ang COVID-19. At lagi nating isaalang-alang ang kalusugan ng publiko, sarili nating kalusugan at hindi natin mailagay sa panganib ng buhay ng bawat isa (We still have a community quarantine being implemented to fight COVID-19. And we must keep in mind the health of the public and ours, and not to endanger the lives of each other),” PNP Spokesperson PBGen. Bernard Banac stated.
Only 10 persons are allowed by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to attend the celebration in Rizal Park.
PNP Spokesperson Banac added that they respect the rights of everyone who voice out their opinions. However, it is still best to do it online.
“Kung sakali man, ang PNP ay gagawa pa rin ng maximum tolerance. Makikiusap tayo at sana pakinggan ang ating panawagan. (If ever [they push through with the mass protest], the PNP will exercise maximum tolerance. We will talk to them and hope they will hear our plea.)”
Individuals who will join the protests may face charges in violation of the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act. – Report from Bea Bernardo
