PNP eyes Public Assembly Act raps over INC rally

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it was looking into possible violations of Batas Pambansa (BP) No. 880 or the Public Assembly Act in connection with the rallies mounted by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), which were allegedly held without a permit.

“We are still studying. We’re not yet sure as to their liabilities, but that is one of the possibilities,” PNP public information chief Col. Allen Rae Co said in a press briefing at Camp Crame on Tuesday.

READ: PNP on full alert amid INC rallies

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The INC mounted rallies at the People Power Monument in Quezon City and Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila on Tuesday morning, supposedly in support of Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, who faces an impending plunder case over an alleged campaign donation.

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Co earlier said the rallies had no permit from the local government.

BP No. 880 requires organizers of public assemblies to secure written permits if these are conducted outside freedom parks.

The police have previously filed cases for alleged violations of BP No. 880. A recent example was the Manila Police District’s recommendation to charge nine individuals under the said law in connection with a Labor Day rally last May along Kalaw Avenue.

At least three individuals were arrested for allegedly injuring police officers as tensions flared between protesters and law enforcers during the rally, according to the PNP.

“We’re thinking of filing direct assault cases against the arrested individuals, but we are still studying what other cases we can file against these people,” Co explained. /mcm

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