PNP to protesters: Please respect our rights, too

The Philippine National Police (PNP) will strictly implement maximum tolerance to protesters expected to stage rallies during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) events next week where state heads from member economies are attending. The PNP said it will maintain peace and provide proper protection to those exercising their right to peaceful assembly.

The national police will observe Batas Pambansa Bilang (BP) 880 also known as The Public Assembly Act of 1985.

The act ensures the free exercise by the people of their right peaceably to assemble and petition the government.

“Please respect our rights, too, as we respect yours” – Philippine National Police

Meanwhile, to ensure peace and order during the APEC events next week, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) issued guidelines for public assemblies and rallies in public places during this major international event.

“Although our laws ensure the free exercise of the people’s right to peaceably assemble and petition the government, we would like to reiterate that we have to observe proper guidelines including seeking permits to conduct public rallies,” DILG Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento said.

No Permit, No Rally will be applied. Permits may not be granted in cases where there is clear and convincing evidence that the public assembly will create a clear and present danger to public order, safety and convenience and subject to proper procedures in accordance to BP 880.