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[av_heading heading=’ Iloilo City cops vow ‘maximum tolerance’ on martial law protesters ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=’30’ subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY RUBY P. SILUBRICO
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Thursday. September 21, 2017
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ILOILO City – The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) vowed to observe “maximum tolerance” as protesters take to the streets today to mark the 45th anniversary of the declaration of martial law.
“We respect freedom of expression and human rights,” said Senior Inspector Shella Mae Sangrines, city police spokesperson.
But should the protest turn violent, “we have to intervene,” said Sangrines.
Police deployment will be at its maximum today, she said without giving exact figures.
“Our men are all ready. We have reserve personnel, too, on standby,” said Sangrines.
ICPO also sought additional policemen from the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6).
Today’s protest will be in front of the Iloilo provincial capitol on Bonifacio Drive. Participants are expected to hold a march, too, on the city’s main thoroughfares.
“For as long as the protesters will conduct themselves peacefully, we won’t intervene,” said Sangrines.
President Rodrigo Duterte issued Proclamation 319 making this day a “National Day of Protest.” He, however, warned protesters not to create chaos.
“I urge all protesters to act within the bounds of the law, maintain a peaceful conduct of rallies, marches and demonstrations, be vigilant of possible infiltrators who may instigate violence in an effort to provoke the police and other law enforcement authorities, and avoid causing any undue inconvenience to their fellow citizens,” Duterte said in his proclamation.
The proclamation ordered police and other law enforcement authorities to observe maximum restraint and maintain distance from people’s assemblies.
It also enjoined all local government units to dispense with the permit requirements for holding public assemblies, marches and demonstrations./PN
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