No dialogue held between PNP, groups in holding mass actions — Banac

No prior dialogue was held between the Philippine National Police (PNP) and various groups about holding protests this Independence Day, according to PNP spokesman Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac on Friday.

"So far, wala tayong natanggap na ulat na may nagpaabot sa atin ng mga ganoong mensahe pero kung mayroon man tayo madatnan, tayo na mismo ang magkusang abutin sila at kausapin ang kanilang leaders," Banac told Dobol B sa News TV.

At the moment, the PNP is still urging those planning to conduct mass actions in this time of quarantine to voice their sentiments through online platforms.

Banac said the police organization has been monitoring the situation across the country during this holiday.

"Tayo po ay patuloy na nakaalerto at nagmamatyag sa magiging kaganapan ngayong araw na ito. Tayo ay nagpapaalala sa publiko na ang maaaring paglahok ng mga kilos protesta ay magdadala rin ng panganib sa ating kalusugan at ating pamilya," Banac said.

"Gamitin po natin ang power of social media at maipaabot ang ating saloobin sa ating mga protesta, pareho din naman ang epekto nito, 'yung mensahe..." he added.

If protesters decide to push through with their protest actions, Banac urged them to observe physical distancing and disperse peacefully after their respective events.

"Naipahayag na naman na nila ang kanilang damdamin. Narinig na ang mga mensahe so tama na. Kailangan na nating umuwi at sundin ang mga panuntunan para sa atin pong kalusugan," Banac said.

Banac earlier said only 01 people would be allowed during Independence Day events.

As of posting time, the "mañanita" protest at the University of the Philippines is ongoing to protest the controversial anti-terror bill. — RSJ, GMA News