The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday said their force would exercise maximum tolerance during the June 12-Independence Day “mañanita” protest.
“Tayo po ay makikiusap muli sa kanila at bibigyan ng sapat na panahon upang sila ay peacefully mag-disperse. Maximum tolerance po ang ating isasagawa,” he added.
However, Banac emphasized that their response would depend on how the protesters behave when asked to be disperse.
“Nais natin ipaalala muli na hindi po tayo mas mataas sa batas. Tayo po ay sumunod sa panuntunan bilang responsible Filipino citizens,” Banac reminded individuals who plan to join the protests.
Banac added that the PNP highly discourages staging protests due to the continuing threat of COVID-19 and the protocols enforced to curtail its spread.
“Maari natin itong gawin through online,” he added.
According to Banac, the deployment of police officers during the ‘mañanita’ protest would be similar in number to the deployment for community quarantine enforcement.
On Saturday, rights group Movement Against Tyranny announced that a mañanita protest calling for the junking of the anti-terror bill and standing up against tyranny would be held on June 12.
The event was named after National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Police Major General Debold Sinas’ birthday celebration, which was held despite the prohibition against mass gathering, including parties, under the enhanced community quarantine.
