The Philippine National Police (PNP) urges groups to hold their Independence Day rallies virtually amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a statement on Friday (June 11), PNP Chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar said that the organization respects the public’s right to freedom of speech and expression, however, protests are better done through Zoom and other social media platforms to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.
“The PNP respects everyone’s right to freedom of speech and expression subalit iba po ang ating sitwasyon ngayon. Maging responsable po tayo at unahin ang kalusugan at kaligtasan ng bawat isa,” he said.
Meanwhile, the PNP is still on alert for groups that will conduct physical demonstrations.
Eleazar reminded the police to implement maximum tolerance. However, if individuals are caught violating health protocols, the police will enforce the law.
“Kung talagang may mga pasaway na tahasan ang pagsuway sa ating minimum public health safety standards, pasensyahan po tayo pero we have to enforce the law.”
Report from Bea Bernardo/NGS-rir
