Ipinagdiinan ng Philippine National Police (PNP) na mahalaga ang pagsunod sa mga legal na panuntunan at alituntunin hinggil sa pagkakasa ng public assemblies.
Kasunod ito ng ginanap na biglaang kilos-protesta ng religious group na Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng Metro Manila bilang pagsuporta kay Sen. Rodante Marcoleta—na siyang napaulat na kakasuhan dahil sa umano’y ₱75 million campaign donations na iniuugnay sa kaniya noong 2025 national elections.
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Sa isang pahayag na ibinahagi ng PNP nitong Martes, Hunyo 30, tahasan nilang inilahad na nirerespeto at kinikilala naman din nila ang karapatan ng taumbayan na ibahagi ang sentimyento at punto nito sa iba’t ibang isyu.
“The Philippine National Police fully respects the constitutional right of every Filipino to peacefully assemble and express their views. We recognize that peaceful public assembly is an essential part of a democratic society, and we remain committed to protecting that right,” saad ng PNP.
“At the same time, the exercise of any right comes with the responsibility to observe the law. Compliance with the legal requirements governing public assemblies, including securing the necessary permits when required, is not a mere formality,” anila.
“These measures are in place to help ensure public safety, maintain order, and protect the rights of both participants and the general public,” dagdag pa nila.
Giit ng ahensya, “consistent” dapat ang pagrespeto sa “rule of law”—sabay bahaging ipagpapatuloy nila ang pagiging patas at pagtiyak na isinasagawa nila ang kanilang responsibilidad nang nakabatay sa umiiral na batas.
“Respect for the rule of law must be consistent. Those who invoke it are likewise expected to observe the legal requirements that apply to everyone. No advocacy, no matter how strongly held, places any individual or group beyond the reach of laws that apply equally to all,” anang ahensya.
Anila, “The PNP will continue to exercise maximum tolerance, remain impartial, and perform its duty in accordance with the Constitution and the law.”
“Our objective is not to restrict lawful expression but to ensure that democratic freedoms are exercised responsibly, peacefully, and with due regard for the rights and safety of the wider public,” pagtatapos ng PNP.