Belmonte wants QCPD chief to explain blocked protest

The Quezon City Government on Tuesday asked the chief of the Quezon City Police District to submit a written explanation after protesters were allegedly blocked from marching on Monday by orange barriers, contrary to what was agreed upon.

Days before President Rodrigo Duterte’s last State of the Nation Address, progressive groups were given leave to march during the event, provided that health protocols would be followed and the names and contact details of the participants submitted for contact tracing purposes.

According to former Bayan Muna congressman Teddy Casiño, however, a police officer put up orange barriers along Commonwealth Avenue to block the march.

“Some stupid police official decided to put up orange barriers along the Commonwealth Avenue to block the march, in violation of the agreement with the QC LGU and PNP command,” he said in a tweet.

He also called on Mayor Joy Belmonte and Philippine National Police chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar to comply with the agreement.

“Protesters are only asking that the orange barriers be removed and the march allowed to reach its destination in Tandang Sora Avenue, as earlier agreed with the QC LGU and PNP,” he said.

Some stupid police official decided to put up orange barriers along Commonwealth Avenue to block the march, in violation of the agreement with the QC LGU and PNP command that marchers would be allowed to reach St. Peter's Chapel in Tandang Sora. Kaya ngayon barado ang daan. pic.twitter.com/iHBrtqml8n

— Teddy Casiño (@teddycasino) July 26, 2021

GMA News Online has reached out to the QCPD for comment. — BM, GMA News