QCPD chief: No intimidation, harassment at Ateneo rally against killings

Quezon City Police District director Chief Supt. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar on Friday said the Ateneo de Manila University community had nothing to worry about the presence of police during their rally against extrajudicial killings.

Eleazar told GMA News Online that he attended a dialogue with university officials a day after the incident to convey that reassurance.

“Walang intimidation o harassment na ginagawa ang inyong kapulisan,” he said, adding that there was also no intention to stop the demonstration held Thursday night.

The Guidon, the student publication of Ateneo, reported Thursday that a police car with no license plate was seen near the campus while a rally was going on to protest the killings, including that of 17-year old Kian Loyd Delos Santos. 

They said the police officers attempted to speak to the attendees and asked for the names of the organizers.

Eleazar said it is a standard operating procedure for the police to go to rallies to protect the protesters and ensure the smooth flow of traffic in the area.

He said although he understands the sentiment of the protesters, he was saddened by how they interpreted the presence of police during their activity.

Eleazar further said that the police patrol car had no license plate because it was new but that its body number was written on the side of the mobile.

He added the police officers were also in full uniform and had nameplates which were sewn into their upper garment.

Meanwhile, the Ateneo community and the Quezon City police vowed to work together to ensure proper coordination and communication when such activities are organized.

"As far as the University is concerned, the CSMO (Campus Security and Mobility Office) is the office that shall interface with QCPD on such activities. And I call on everyone in the community to please coordinate with CSMO," a memo by Ateneo president Jose Ramon Villarin,said.

"As far as the QCPD is concerned, the police shall comply with keeping appropriate distance from the site of assembly held in Ateneo grounds; they will remove their firearms if and when they need to approach to ensure crowd safety; and they will remind their people to maintain good public relations with the community," he added.

Villarin also thanked the QCPD "for their quick response and openness to hear out our concerns and issues."

He also assured the Ateneo community of their right to freedom of speech and freedom of peaceful assembly.

"I ask the community to remain calm, vigilant and prudent and I reassure you of our support as you continue to fight for the remembrance of all the innocent victims of this drug war," Villarin said. —Amita Legaspi/JST/KVD/NB, GMA News