PNP to cops: Observe maximum tolerance amid protest rallies

Philippine National Police personnel  were reminded Sunday to observe maximum tolerance as several groups held protests in Metro Manila to demand transparency and better governance amid corruption allegations in flood control projects.

“As you begin your three-day deployment in the assembly sites and other strategic areas, let me remind again that we have no business of using our power and authority to intimidate and hurt the civilians that we vowed to serve and protect,” PNP chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.

“That is not we are trained for—and that is not who we are as proud members of the Philippine National Police,” he added.

Nartatez further reminded police officers to “only use the necessary and appropriate force as a last resort—and only against those who have a twisted concept that violence is part of the freedom of expression.”

The religious group Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) and other groups are holding rallies on Sunday at Luneta and the EDSA People Power Monument to call for transparency and better governance amid corruption revealed in flood control projects.

The PNP earlier said it will deploy more than 16,000 law enforcers police for the three-day anti-corruption protest, which will be held until Tuesday, November 18.

Meanwhile, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has been placed on full alert status for public security during the consecutive rallies.

As of 9 a.m., the PNP said 1,481 police personnel were deployed at the Quirino Grandstand and 980 cops at the People Power Monument, and 1,384 personnel at the EDSA Shrine.

In a separate statement, PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño urged protesters to cooperate with authorities and follow safety reminders.

He also called on protesters to stay within permitted zones, approach police personnel for needed assistance, and remain cautious against unverified online posts. 

Last September 21, at least 216 persons, 89 of whom are minors, were arrested after violence broke out in Mendiola St. during a protest rally against corruption in relation to the alleged anomalous flood control projects.

A student of the University of the Philippines Diliman was allegedly beaten by police during his arrest in Manila.

A viral video also showed a member of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) dragging a boy, who allegedly caused a disturbance during the September 21 protest.

More than 100 police personnel were injured during the violence that ensued, including a cop who was caught on camera being beaten by some individuals wearing black clothing. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News