Palace defends police deployment on INC gathering
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
MANILA -- Malacañang defended on Monday the planned deployment of 500 police personnel on the February 28 religious gathering of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) amid reports that the event could be used for political activities.
Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said that the law enforcers have to secure the attendees in the event to be held in Quirino Grandstand in Manila.
"It's a big rally. We have to make sure that the observance of the religious activity is maintained," he said, adding that the government has to ensure that nobody will take advantage on the gathering.
There were reports that the INC would call President Benigno Aquino III to respect the rule of law in the wake of the impeachment trial of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona.
The INC was perceived to be supporting the chief magistrate.
At the same time, Lacierda denied that the commemoration on Saturday of the 26th Edsa People Power Revolution where government employees were enjoined to participate would be used to call for Corona's conviction.
"The Edsa anniversary is a rally meant to remind the people of what we have gained from Edsa people power, to allow us remember how precious freedom is and not to forget that it is something that can easily be lost," he said.
"So it's something that we should be aware of or fully aware of the importance of the sufferings that people went through under Martial Law and why it is necessary of those who were not born yet in EDSA in 1986 to recall the dark days of Martial Law and the freedom that they have won since then," he explained.
Lacierda also said that the attendance of the state employees on the activities over the weekend would not be compulsory.
"This is not a compulsory event. Executive Secretary [Paquito, Jr.] Ochoa has issued a similar memorandum last year and they have enjoined all government officials if you have the time to join the anniversary—nothing more, nothing less," he said. (SDR/Sunnex)
