By Jennifer P. Rendon
The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) assured that police officers will observe maximum tolerance in dealing with rallyists who will stage protest actions when President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) today, July 27, 2020.
“We do recognize the right of every individual to peaceably assemble and right to free speech,” Police Colonel Eric Dampal, Iloilo City police chief, said.
However, “public health concern must be on priority to combat our unseen enemy,” Dampal added, referring to concerns on the spread of COVID-19.
He also encouraged the public to strictly follow all the minimum health standards or protocols at all times.
“Better if they could just stay at their homes,” the Iloilo City police chief said.
Sill, Dampal declared that ICPO has already mapped out security plans for the President’s SONA, starting by placing the office on “full alert status.”
Dampal said they have coordinated with other law enforcement agencies in preparing for the safety and security measures relative to the SONA.
Part of the preparation was in dealing with protesters who are expected to hold protest actions.
But Dampal has made this reminder: “Due to COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Iloilo is still placed under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MGCQ) wherein the movement of persons shall be limited to accessing essential goods and services, work in offices and industries permitted to operate and for permitted activities only as stated in the IATF Guidelines on the implementation of Community Quarantine.”
He added that this year’s SONA is incomparable with past years because of the coronavirus disease.
“During the previous SONA we were very lenient with rallies but since COVID-19 continues to affect human lives, we must protect the right to health of every Ilonggo,” he said.
As such, “as long as COVID-19 is not totally eradicated, policies such as bans on large gatherings will continue to remain in force,” Dampal said.
Security measures will be heightened even if there are no recorded threats related to SONA and it must be peaceful and COVID free.
Last week, it was announced that Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas has already given his approval for several cause-oriented groups to stage a rally at the Sunburst Park at J.M. Park in J.M. Basa St., City Proper district.
And for those rallyists who did not seek permit, the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) had earlier said they would ask them to peacefully disperse.
