The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) reported a peaceful Black Friday protest in Metro Manila today, September 12.
According to NCRPO Spokesperson Police Major Hazel Asilo, the gatherings they monitored during the rallies remained peaceful, and no untoward incidents were recorded.
“So far naging peaceful naman po ang mga pagtitipon dito sa mga rally na na-monitor natin. Wala naman po tayong na-monitor na untoward incident, nagsimula po sila at nagtapos din ng mapayapa,” Asilo said in an interview at DZRH Operation Tulong.
This follows the launch of a protest action by thousands of rallyists this morning and ended at around 3 p.m., due to widespread corruption related to the issue of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) flood control projects.
Asilo reported that over 2,200 individuals joined the protest, including 2,000 demonstrators recorded in Quezon City, 160 in Manila, and 55 in the southern part of NCR.
Authorities monitoring more potential gatherings
Authorities are set to monitor possible protest gatherings in key areas, including EDSA Shrine, SM North EDSA, the Pasig area, and Liwasang Bonifacio. However, as of now, only one group has secured a permit, with the authorized protest scheduled to take place in Quezon City.
They are also currently coordinating with the local government unit (LGU) to verify whether the groups have secured permits to hold protests.
Asilo further stated that as long as the groups have secured a permit, there is an allotted time specifying when and how long they can conduct their activities. The local government has also issued guidelines identifying areas where protests are not allowed. Those who fail to secure a permit or violate LGU regulations may be subject to immediate dispersal.
Tolerating ‘Lightning Rallies’ with conditions
The spokesperson explained that while some groups conduct so-called "lightning rallies" without permits, authorities still allow them a brief period to express their sentiments, provided they do not cause major disruptions, especially to traffic.
“Pero maiksing panahon lamang po ang binibigay natin kapag wala po silang permit, kasi po binibigyan pa rin naman po natin sila ng pagkakataon since karapatan pa rin naman po nila na magpahayag ng kanilang saloobin,” she added.
Call for discipline and peaceful protest
Furthermore, she urged fellow citizens who plan to join the protests to exercise their rights in a peaceful and disciplined manner, cautioning them not to let chaos overshadow the true purpose of their actions. She also encouraged the general public to avoid protest areas unless necessary.
Asilo also reminded her fellow service members about the strict directive from their Regional Director and the Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to exercise maximum tolerance. In addition, she emphasized the importance of allowing the protesters to freely express their sentiments.
She assured that the NCRPO remains on standby to ensure the safety and peace of Metro Manila for everyone.
