NCR cops’ best practices replicated at PRO-7

To reduce public disturbance, the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas will conduct Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) meetings before every major events like protest rallies are held.

This is among the changes in the PRO7's protocol following the assumption of Chief Superintendent Jose Mario Espino as the new police chief in the region.

CDM is aimed at instituting guidelines for protest rallies and other security-related events, as well as establishing a platform that allows causeoriented groups to air their plight.

“Before any major activities, we will hold a CDM. Ito po ay isang best practice na ginagawa ng Philippine National Police sa National Capital Region na bago magkaroon ng major rallies, kakausapin namin ang mga concerned sectors para duon pa lang we already have one mindset. Hindi tayo nagpapantayan,” Espino said.

For the first time, PRO7 convened yesterday causeoriented groups, including the militant transport group Pagkakaisa ng Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON) and the sectoral group Gabriela Women's Party-Cebu.

It was agreed during the meeting that before holding a protest, the organizer is required to secure a permit.

Also, the rally participants will no longer be allowed to bring backpacks with them for security purposes.

Espino said each group or organization should also police its own rank against lawless or unscrupulous elements to prevent them from taking advantage or sowing terror during rallies.

To help government personnel man traffic during rallies, the protest organizers are required to deploy a traffic marshal for the duration of the event.

Policemen, on the other hand, are directed to review their standard operating procedures during rallies and other related events for more efficient response.

Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak, deputy mayor for police matters, on the other hand, said the city government is willing to assist and provide buses, water, tents for protesters.

He said this is to show that the city government respects the rights of others as long as they do not violate the city ordinances.

“You have the freedom to express, but it doesn't necessarily mean that the police will always guard you. We don't want na makita ng public na we are not in the same side. We are one Cebu, isa lang tayo dito, kaya nga we are giving you the opportunity,” Tumulak said.