PNP 'exhausting all means’ to have peaceful end to Edsa rally

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it will “exhaust all means” to end the rally reportedly mounted by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) without a permit at the Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (Edsa) People Power Monument on Tuesday.

“Obviously, it will not be indefinite, but we are with the DILG in assessing until when we can give them time for their protest,” PNP public information chief Col. Allen Rae Co said in Filipino in a press briefing in Camp Crame.

“We are exploring all possibilities here. We are exhausting all means available to us so that this chaos can end, but, of course, our contingency plans include our enforcement of order along the roads in a legal way,” he added.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: PNP on full alert amid INC rallies

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

The Edsa People Power Monument area rally began early Tuesday morning.

The PNP estimated that around 10,000 joined the rally.

The protest-action caused road closures along both lanes of Edsa and White Plains Avenue during the Tuesday morning rush hour; and a physical altercation between rallyists and law enforcers.

Co noted that National Capital Region Police Office director Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin is currently negotiating with the rally organizers to end the rally amid the tensions.

Article continues after this advertisement

“We are not blaming anyone or whatever in this case. That’s why the PNP apologizes for the disruption,” Co said.

Asked about Aberin’s reported membership in the INC, the PNP public information chief said :“He is a police officer before he is a member of the religious group. I believe that he will meet them with professionalism and it will not affect his work as the regional director or the NCRPO.” /gsg

Article continues after this advertisement

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.