PNP to uphold ‘No permit, No Rally’ policy, reiterating Marcos’ SONA remarks

Abdiel Franz Bernales

The Philippine National Police (PNP) reminded the public that it will strictly enforce the “no permit, no rally” policy, according to PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on September 9, which explicitly stated as well in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA).

This advisory comes in response to circulating reports about planned protests against the latest revelations of corruption in government flood control projects that have ignited nationwide outrage, fueling demands for accountability and justice scheduled on September 13 and September 21 at different locations.

Further, the national police stated that militant groups will be restricted to areas no further than Tandang Sora, with the SONA scheduled for July 28 and traditionally delivered at the House of Representatives in Quezon City.

Nartatez emphasized that protest organizers are required to secure a permit and coordinate with the police before holding any demonstration, especially in Metro Manila or anywhere else in the country, based on an exclusive interview on DZRH’s Dos Por Dos.

“May freedom park naman po. Nandyan ang Quezon City Circle. Pero normally, ang assembly area ng mga anti-government is either sa UP Diliman or COA (Commission on Audit) area and then magmamarch po sila,” said PNP spokesperson P/Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo.

However, currently, no group — whether supportive or critical of the government — has applied for a rally permit, said Fajardo.

The police and protesters continue to coordinate to reach an agreement on holding rallies in designated freedom parks with permits.

Nartatez added that the country’s situation would not escalate to the level of violence seen in protests in Indonesia and Nepal.

He also mentioned that the police have already established a response plan based on the expected number of protesters, and various agencies remain on standby as part of a contingency plan in case their assistance is needed.

Meanwhile, thousands of students from the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman joined the “Walkout Laban sa Korap” protest held on September 12, where they chanted a modified version of the university’s traditional cheer.

The revised lyrics called for the removal and imprisonment of those involved in corruption.

The demonstration was organized to demand accountability from those involved in the anomalous flood control projects and widespread corruption in the government.

Moreover, the protests ended peacefully without untoward incidents, according to NCRPO Spokesperson Police Major Hazel Asilo.

“So far naging peaceful naman po ang mga pagtitipon dito sa mga rally na na-monitor natin. Wala naman po tayong na-monitor na untoward incident, nagsimula po sila at nagtapos din nang mapayapa,” Asilo said in an interview at DZRH Operation Tulong.