NO UNTOWARD or violent incidents were recorded and orderliness was sustained during the observation of the National Day of Protest on Thursday, September 21, in Davao Region, attributed to the close coordination of various law enforcement agencies.
Authorities estimated a total of 500 to 700 protesters composed of children, youth, militant leaders, farmers, among others who occupied a portion of the Freedom Park in Roxas Avenue to air their grievances against the government. The protest ended at 6 p.m. with no reported incidents that broke out.
Following the Proclamation No. 319 issued by President Rodrigo Duterte last September 19, PRO-Davao regional director Police Chief Superintendent Manuel Gaerlan said the have alerted all his unit commanders and police officers to be on their toes on the day of protest.
The National Day of Protest was created, “to pave way for the Filipino people’s call against all excesses and shortcoming of the government and their desire to uphold the highest standards of integrity, efficiency, and accountability in government”.
“Law enforcers intensified all security measures, mobilize force multipliers, involve other friendly forces, the community, to include observation of maximum restraint and maintain distance from mass actions,” the proclamation states.
Gaerlan lauded the cops in the city, traffic enforcers, and other law enforcement agencies for being able to manage accordingly the rallyists; prevent any public disturbances; and for implementing maximum tolerance in the implementation of the security protocols.
“I commend our PNP personnel especially the Davao City Police Office and City Transport and Traffic Management Office for managing the traffic caused by Bayan-SMR, Kadamay, Gabriela and other allied organizations of the Communist Party of the Philippines,” Gaerlan said.
“While the whole PNP recognizes the exercise of democracy, the attendance to this event only proves that the general public is still confident with our President and voice of the few cannot prevail, over the millions of Dabawenyos who continuously support his leadership,” he added. (JCR)