Protests welcome
MANILA -- Malacañang welcomed Monday the move of several groups to stage protests condemning the killing of 17-year-old student Kian delos Santos, who was slain on August 16 in an anti-drug operation in Caloocan City.
In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said concerned citizens have the right to hold a rally and express their sentiments over the death of Delos Santos.
“The rally for Kian is part of the people’s right to assemble, express their views and air their grievances,” Abella said.
Delos Santos is one of the people killed in a simultaneous police operations held this week to fight the drug problem in the country.
His death has fueled public outrage, denouncing President Rodrigo Duterte’s brutal crackdown on illicit drug trade which has already killed thousands of suspected drug personalities since he took office on June 30, 2016.
Several protests calling for an end to administration’s bloody drug war will be held on Monday, which coincides with the commemoration of the 34th death anniversary of former senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr.
A protest dubbed “Tama Na! Protesta Laban sa Patayan” will take place at the Edsa People Power Monument in Quezon City at
around 6 p.m. to condemn the spate of drug-related killings. Participants are encouraged to wear black and bring candles.
Organizers also set a “Walk for Kian, Walk for Justice” rally, which will allow protesters to march from Sta. Quiteria Church in Caloocan City at 4:30 p.m.to the site where Kian was killed in Barangay 160 to express support for Delos Santos’ family and seek justice for all victims of Duterte’s drug war.
A “Shout for Life” rally will also be held in front of Camp Crame in Quezon City at 4:30 p.m. to express outrage against extrajudicial killings. Organizers said the public has to “speak for those who were silenced by the guns that are supposed to protect the weak.”
“This is not the time for selfishness. Let’s unite to take a stand against Duterte’s war on illegal drugs. Let’s fight for Kian’s justice, as well as to others who are brutally slain under the current administration,” the organizers said.
Abella said Palace respects the protesters’ plan to hold rallies as long as it will not create “public inconvenience.”
“The President has said time and again that he will allow mass protest as long as it does not cause public inconvenience or compromise public safety. This is consistent with [Duterte’s] philosophy that criticism – good or bad – is part of the territory of anyone working in the government,” Abella said.
“Having said this, we enjoin protesters to fully cooperate with police authorities who are expected to exercise maximum tolerance during the event,” he added.
Anti-riot policemen will reportedly be deployed to secure the rally.SunStar Philippines