DILG to PNP: Exercise maximum tolerance at EDSA 40th anniv rallies

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to observe maximum tolerance with protesters during their activities on the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution on Wednesday.

At a press conference on Tuesday, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said authorities will respect the right of groups to assemble and air their grievances even if some protesters proceed without permits.

“We will respect their right to voice their concerns and their opinions. As usual, we will exercise maximum tolerance,” Remulla said.

For the DILG head, the valor of the people and what the occasion stands for now are worth recognizing.

“If I could go, I would go kasi I was 18 pumunta ako sa original EDSA. So now I'm 58. I think, yung nag-participate ng EDSA 1, more than half have passed away already kasi matatanda ‘yung mga tao noon,” he said.

(If I could go, I would go because I was 18 when I went to the original EDSA. So now I'm 58. I think, those who participated in EDSA 1, more than half have passed away already, so those people were old then.)

“These are memories that I will always cherish. And the values of our country are further instilled when we celebrate that. So I think it's something worth noticing and recognizing, the valor of the people before and what it stands for today,” he added.

The date commemorates the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution that ousted the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. — father of the current president Marcos Jr.— and installed Corazon Aquino, widow of slain senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., as president.

In a statement, PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed all unit commanders to strictly enforce the maximum tolerance policy and ensure close coordination with local governments and event organizers.

The PNP has finalized the security framework for the upcoming 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution and the “Trillion Peso March”.

Nartatez said the police force is prepared to manage the expected influx of various protesters at the People Power Monument in Quezon City and other key locations nationwide.

“Our goal is to make sure that all the planned activities will be peaceful and orderly. And this is only possible through cooperation and mutual respect,” Nartatez said.

“There are no verified intelligence reports confirming any security threat but we will not lower our guard by maintaining a high level of alertness to prevent infiltration of individuals who may intend to disrupt a peaceful assembly,” he added.

In Metro Manila, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will deploy over 13,000 cops to secure the protest site at the EDSA Shrine and People Power monument in Quezon City and other key areas.

Police Regional Offices nationwide are also directed to heighten alert status and implement calibrated security measures in their respective areas.

“We are anticipating the presence of multiple groups with opposing views. While we respect their right to peaceful assembly, our primary responsibility is to ensure public safety,” Nartatez said. —RF, GMA Integrated News