MANILA — The Cavite police arrested a 20-year-old man for interrupting President Rodrigo Duterte’s speech during the commemoration of the 120th Independence Day celebration at the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite.
In a report sent to newsmen, the Kawit Municipal Police Station identified the suspect as Francis D. Couichie from Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
Elements of the Cavite Police Mobile Force Company arrested Couichie for causing disturbance during the speech of the President by repeatedly shouting “huwad na kalayaan” (fake freedom).
Confiscated from his possession was a placard containing the words “Kapayapaan para sa lahat at lahat para sa kapayapaan ng bayan”(Peace for all and all for the peace of the nation).
He is being held under custody for possible charges of “tumultuous disturbance or interruption liable to cause disturbance” under the Revised Penal Code which is punishable by up to four months imprisonment and a PHP1,000 fine.
Despite the incident, Duterte told protesters that despite their differences, they had at least one common denominator.
“We may not understand each other but at least there is a common denominator and that is love of country,” Duterte said in his speech where he led the flag-raising ceremony amid the pouring rains.
Duterte said that he understood the reason why protesters staged their outcry, saying the 1987 Constitution itself guarantees freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, and free expression.
“It’s freedom of speech. You can have it. Okay lang. I will understand,” Duterte said.
“Our Constitution guarantees freedom of the press, freedom of assembly and free expression. So I would just advise the law enforcement to just deal with them peacefully and the maximum tolerance,” he added. (Benjamin Pulta/PNA)
