By Jennifer P. Rendon
There were protest rallies in different parts of the region as the country commemorated the 122nd Philippine Independence Day on June 12, 2020.
But not a single person was arrested for any transgression amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Just like in the previous celebration of the Independence Day, yesterday’s event was generally peaceful, said Police Lieutenant Colonel Gilbert Gorero, Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) spokesperson.
All activities were closely monitored by the PNP Regional Tactical Operation Center to ensure that no unscrupulous individuals or groups will create chaos.
The police said there were “minimal assemblies and rallies participated by small groups” in Kalibo, Aklan, Rozas City, Capiz, Bacolod City, and Iloilo City, but these were peacefully dispersed after negotiations.
Accordingly, “no arrests were made against the protesters for they voluntarily dispersed upon dialogue,” Gorero said.
PRO-6 reported at least three mass gatherings on June 12.
In Aklan, around 14 members of Bayan-Aklan converged at the corner Osmeña and Cardinal Sin Avenue around 9 a.m. But they were peacefully dispersed 30 minutes after.
In Bacolod City, 30 protesters gathered around 10 a.m. at Poblacion Brgy 12.
Just like in Aklan, the protesters were also peacefully dispersed by the Bacolod City Police Office.
The protest actions took up the issue of junking the controversial Anti-Terrorism Bill and called for mass testing for COVID-19.
In Iloilo City, cause-oriented groups gathered inside the University of the Philippines Visayas for a forum.
Meanwhile, simple yet meaningful celebrations participated by government officials were held in the region.
Gorero said participants strictly observed physical distancing and mandatory wearing of face masks under Modified General Community Quarantine guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on COVID-19.
In a press statement, Police Brigadier General Rene P Pamuspusan, Western Visayas police chief, said the celebration is an opportune time to reaffirm our commitment to upholding the rule of law and as servants and protectors of the citizens of the republic.
“Further this occasion is also a way to pay tribute to the strong men and women of the Philippine National Police, especially here in the region who bravely served as frontliners in providing quality services amid COVID19,” he said.
The PRO-6 command and regional staff attended the celebration at PRO6 headquarters while Pamuspusan joined the celebration at Sta. Barbara, Iloilo.
“Tayo ay patuloy na maglilingkod higit pa sa ating kakayahan upang patuloy na maghatid at magbigay ng proteksyon at serbisyo sa ating bayan sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay kaayusan at seguridad sa lahat at pagtulong at suporta sa ating mga namumuno,” Pamuspusan said.
