The Philippine National Police (PNP) described the celebration of the 122nd anniversary of Philippine independence as generally peaceful amid protests like the on-campus grand maῆanita rally in UP Diliman.
The term “mañanita” has taken an infamous twist over last month’s birthday celebration of NCRPO Chief Police Major General Debold Sinas where photos posted in social media showed non-observance of physical distancing. Birthdays and group celebration have not been allowed during the Enhanced Community Quarantine.
Sinas was depicted in the protest by activist Mae Paner who is also known as Juana Change. The mass action ended before 12 noon where protesters dispersed orderly. The PNP observed maximum tolerance during the event.
“Hindi na kinakailangan pang tayo’y magsagawa ng mga pag-aresto. Ang visibility natin doon ay para pagpapaalala sa lahat na may umiiral na GCQ, at kailangan po na tayo’y magkaisa sa ating laban sa COVID-19 (We don’t need to make arrests. Our visibility is to remind them of the GCQ where we need to cooperate against COVID-19),” PNP Spokesperson PBGEN Bernard Banac said.
The PNP reiterated there are other ways to express opinions on several issues such as the COVID-19 and the Anti-Terrorism Bill.
Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana assured the proposed Anti-Terror Act covers only those involved in terrorist acts.
