By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/PNA
MANILA — National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief, Director Guillermo Eleazar on Thursday downplayed reports that he was scolded by a Chinese Embassy official for allowing protesters to hold a rally outside their office in Makati City.
“It’s fake news. Actually, the Chinese official was actually thanking me for the security arrangement we unfolded,” Eleazar said, noting that the photo which went viral on social media was taken at the Rizal Park in Manila and not in front of the Chinese Embassy.
Eleazar clarified that there was no verbal confrontation between him and the Chinese Embassy official, stressing that the latter did not mention anything about the protest action at all.
“Modestly, I was telling him were just doing our job and reciprocating the excellent security coverage they provided when President Duterte was in China,” Eleazar said.
“He is not mad at all. Maaraw lang kaya mukhang nakasimangot (It’s a bit sunny so that is why he seems frowning),” he added.
The NCRPO chief, however, said he explained to the Chinese official that they are lenient with protesters in compliance with the right to peaceful assembly as guaranteed by the Constitution.
“I added that I even allowed protesters to rally in Makati even without a permit as long as they avoid the engagement areas and routes taken by our visitors,” the NCRPO chief noted.
“Given this fake news fad, I would like to inform the public that netizens who post such fallacies are liable for Cyber Libel,” said Eleazar.
According to Eleazar, the offense is punishable by up to 12 years imprisonment.
“Stop or risk getting caught and arrested,” Eleazar warned.
Massive demonstrations were held outside the embassy on Tuesday and Wednesday, which coincided with Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to the country.
About 6,000 police officers were earlier deployed to secure the Chinese leader’s visit.
