NCRPO warns protesters anew: No rallies outside freedom parks

MANILA, Philippines — The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) warned that police would arrest or take legal action against persons who will hold demonstrations outside the designated freedom parks.

This warning is in effect during the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit that will happen from Nov. 15 to 17.

Several groups previously announced that they would stage rallies before, during and after the regional high-stakes gathering, where foreign delegates and leaders, including United States Donald Trump, will attend.

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NCRPO Officer-in-Charge Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano on Friday said that he directed police commanders to strictly enforce security restrictions around the main venue in Pasay City.

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Also under heavy security are hotels and other major summit routes.

Abrahano further reminded protesters to confine their assemblies within the freedom parks in Metro Manila.

READ: PNP to take action vs disruptive Asean Summit rallyists

“Respecting the people’s right to peaceful assembly does not mean allowing demonstrations in areas where they are prohibited under lawful security arrangements,” the Metro Manila police chief stressed in a statement.

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“We will not compromise the security of the summit, our foreign delegates, and the general public,” he added.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) earlier issued a warning to individuals who may cause public disruptions or harm to an individual, especially to a foreign visitor.

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Abrahano cited that under Batas Pambansa Blg. 880, or the Public Assembly Act of 1985, particularly Section 4, assemblies held in public spaces requires a permit from the local government.

The exemption is in duly established freedom parks and other specified locations.

He further asserted that the police would not hesitate to take action against violators.

“Our instructions are clear: Maintain peace and order, protect the security of the summit, and respect the constitutional rights of our people,” he emphasized. “We will enforce the law firmly but professionally. Peaceful assembly is a right, but it must be exercised within the bounds of the law,” he noted.

A ‘Trump-out’ protest is being held at several areas in Quezon City and Manila City on Friday, ahead of the expected visit of the US president in the country.

According to the PNP, more than 19,000 police officers and 3,075 personnel from other agencies were deployed to enforce security measures as the country hosts the 49th Asean summit on Nov. 15 to 17.

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It added that all of the police units concerned were placed under full alert status on Friday. /apl