MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has denied allegations of visiting offices of some organizations to monitor them in connection with the alleged “Red October” ouster plot against the Duterte administration.
“The front organizations of CPP-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army), they exaggerated in fact in any protest rallies, ang tinitignan natin dyan yung (what we are looking for) there are tendencies to instigate chaos and violence. That’s their propaganda so di totoo yan (it is not true). That’s a big lie, yung sinasabi nila na pinupuntahan sila parang ang dating ay (that we visit them and it seems) they are being persecuted, they are being targeted so there must be martial law. Kalokohan yan (it’s not true),” PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Benigno Durana Jr. told reporters on Tuesday.
Durana made the remark after the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) assailed a PNP memorandum issued in September, calling on station commanders to conduct surveillance and profiling of “left-leaning groups” and their leaders.
Several organizations and personalities claimed they were visited by police officers last month. These include the office of the urban poor group Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay), the campus residence of the University of the Philippines (UP) Student Regent, an office of an environmental group and even hospital unions.
“While we recognize that they belong to the progressive left and they feel strongly on some of the issues that are now being addressed by our government, masyado naman silang pinapalaki yung issue (they are just magnifying the issue),” Durana noted.
He added that the Filipino people are intelligent enough, especially the students, who are well-informed, as they have access to the internet and access to news and information all over the world.
Earlier, PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde assured that measures are in place to secure the protest actions set on October 17.
“Unang-una yung mga kilos protesta parang naging parte na ng buhay natin yan (First of all, mass actions are a part of our lives), it’s a way of life already by some sectors of our society. Although in any protest, kailangan natin mag-provide ng (we need to provide) security not only for those who are conducting the rally but also doon sa mga hindi (for those who are not joining it), para may (to ensure) peace and order doon sa lugar (in these places),” he said. (/PNA)
