MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) yesterday urged people planning to hold protest rallies over the outcome of the elections to respect the decision of the majority and allow a smooth transition to the next administration.
PNP officer in-charge Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. made the appeal as he ordered police officers to observe maximum tolerance in dealing with protesters.
“We understand the sentiment of the supporters and respect the citizens’ right to self-expression. However we are appealing to concerned groups to refrain from engaging in activities that can instigate and disrupt peace and order in the community,” Danao said in a statement.
Supporters of Vice President Leni Robredo criticized the election results favoring presumptive president Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Some held demonstrations in front of the Commission on Elections (Comelec)’s office in Intramuros, Manila.
Danao reminded the demonstrators to observe safe and health protocols amid the pandemic.
He gave assurance that the PNP is investigating election-related violence that it documented.
At yesterday’s Laging Handa briefing, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said security measures are in place in response to demonstrations being planned by some groups.
Among these measures is the deployment of police officers at the Philippine International Convention Center where the canvassing of votes is being conducted.
Fajardo urged rally organizers to coordinate with the police so the PNP could also provide the necessary security.
Maj. Gen. Valeriano de Leon, PNP directorate for operations director, urged the public to respect the Comelec and the outcome of the elections.
De Leon said the country will suffer if allegations of election fraud without evidence spread. – Neil Jayson Servallos, Rhodina Villanueva, Edu Punay, Delon Porcalla