DILG Vows Maximum Tolerance in Handling Rallies

Police will observe maximum tolerance in handling rallies, including those set on Sept. 13, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said yesterday.

- MARK ERNEST VILLEZA

"All contingencies have been considered, but the operative phrase for us is people want accountability but not instability, so we will prevent instability. We are on maximum tolerance," Remulla told reporters in Manila.

He said authorities understand that the public has grievances and that the government would uphold constitutional rights, including the freedom to assemble, as long as protesters secure permits.

"Our directives to the police are to be present, to be patient, to enforce maximum tolerance and to respect the sentiments of the people," he added.

On reports of a planned rally on Sept. 13, the birthday of President Marcos, Remulla downplayed the date but said the government is taking the matter seriously.

"It's just any other date. We respond to everything with the same seriousness, but of course, if there is mass action, a mass protest, we have to be sensitive to the grievances of the people. The more you suppress, the worse it gets, so let them protest if they want. We won't stop them, but we also expect it to be peaceful," he said.

Remulla dismissed comparisons of the planned rally to the violent protests in Indonesia and Nepal, saying "Filipinos are not like that. Even at our worst, we don't burn things. All contingencies are considered and we will be prepared, but I don't think it will come to that."

Philippine National Police acting chief Lt. Gen. Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the PNP has drawn up security and crowd management plans to maintain peace and order during the protests.