MPD: Maximum tolerance during street protests, but…

The Manila Police District (MPD) will keep a tight watch over the expected protest actions in the capital city due to the 31st Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Meetings, but assured that maintain maximum tolerance will be exercised.

MPD Spokesman Supt. Erwin Margarejo said that while there will be maximum tolerance, protesters who violate laws will be arrested.

“We will exercise maximum tolerance, provided that there is no violation of law. And if there is already a violation of law in this mass protest, of course the mandate of the PNP is to protect and preserve. At makakaasa po kayo, that the Manila

Police District will effect arrest if there is already a violation of law,” he said.

“We will respect their freedom of assembly, but if there is a violation of law, we will implement the rule of law,” he added.

Members of Bayan, Anakpawis, Gabriela, Piston, Kilusang Mayo Uno, and other cause oriented groups, staged another protest action yesterday along T.M. Kalaw Street in Ermita, Manila at around 10 a.m.

The militants, who opposed the visit of US President Donald Trump, tried to get near the US Embassy on Roxas Boulevard but were prevented by the members of MPD anti-riot unit.

Meanwhile, authorities rounded up at least 69 individuals from Friday night to early Saturday morning for violating a city ordinance on drinking alcoholic beverages in public places.