NCRPO braces for more anti-Marcos burial protests

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Saturday said it is preparing for bigger protest actions in Metro Manila following the surprise burial of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos Sr. at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

NCRPO chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said the police will not try to break up protest actions as long as these would be done in a peaceful and orderly manner.

"Rallies in these places can be tolerated as we respect the freedom of assembly, provided that protests would be conducted peacefully and orderly," Albayalde said.

The NCRPO chief was particularly referring to EDSA Shrine and the People Power Monument, which are a few minutes away from the Philippine National Police's headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Thousands of people trooped to the People Power Monument on Friday, a few hours after the Marcos family buried the remains of the late dictator at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

The burial came 10 days after the Supreme Court junked petitions against the burial of the late dictator at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

A few people also went to EDSA Shrine and the People Power Monument on Saturday carrying placards condemning the burial.

Albayalde, meanwhile, urged groups planning to conduct more protest actions against Marcos' burial to get rally permits from local government units.

"Under Batasang Pambansa 880, mayors are required to assign public spaces where people can freely protest," said Albayalde.

"Without designation from mayors, all parks will be deemed freedom park in the city," he added.

Albayalde, meanwhile, said that the police is prepared to augment security being implemented by the Philippine Army at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.

Security was tight at the heroes' cemetery on Saturday as the family of the late dictator and dozens of their supporters returned on Saturday for a Mass vigil.

Former first lady Imelda Marcos and children, Bongbong and Imee, were present during the event. —ALG, GMA News