PNP orders men to exercise maximum tolerance, urges protesters to respect cops

Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa on Monday said he ordered his personnel on the ground for the second State of the Nation Address of President Rodrigo Duterte to exercise maximum tolerance.

“The PNP is all ready, geared up to ensure peace and order and public safety at Batasan, Quezon City. I have reminded all the police personnel deployed in Batasan to exercise maximum tolerance as they prepare for major rallies today,” dela Rosa said in a press conference after the flag-raising ceremony at Camp Crame.

He said the police will not use their firearms nor canes and will just utilize their shields in dispersing unruly protesters.

“They will not use their guns or even canes. Instead they will slowly move with their riot shields while dispersing the crowd,” he said.

At least 6,300 personnel are deployed along Commonwealth Avenue and Batasan Road (IBP Road) to secure the SONA.

With this, the PNP chief appealed to protesters to respect the police personnel.

“As we respect the rights of those who express their grievances, opinions, they should also respect the rights of those who are just doing their job in preserving the peace and enforcing the law,” he said.

“Actions that prejudice the life, liberty, or cause injury to another is unacceptable in a democratic society,” he added.

He also asked the public to cooperate with the police.

“I also want to appeal to the public and the rallyists for their full cooperation in this endeavor,” he said.

Dela Rosa expressed hope there will be no unnecessary tension or stress that would lead to clashes between the police and protesters.

“I expect na kung naka-deploy ‘yung mga tropa natin at naka-deploy 'yung mga militante, I expect na cool lang sila, relax lang sila. Walang tension dapat, walang unnecessary stress on their part and I hope na ganun nga talaga,” he said.

Dela Rosa said the ground commanders and leaders of the groups are talking to each other, and the police are taking the word of the protesters that they will be able to control their members.

“Nag-uusap naman sila, ‘yung ating ground commanders at ‘yung mga leaders ng railyista, and we take their word for it. Kapag sinabi nila na kaya nilang disiplinahin ang kanilang hanay, so confident tayo at naka-ready tayo kung may ganun na mga  insidente,” he said. —KG, GMA News