Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 21) – Contrary to protests in previous years, the Philippine National Police has prohibited the burning of effigies on the day of President Ferdinand Marcos’ second State of the Nation Address (SONA), PNP spokesperson PCol Jean Fajardo said Friday.
“Hindi na po natin pinapayagan ‘yan (burning of effigies). Bago naman itong SONA, may mga dayalogo naman tayo,” Fajardo told CNN Philippines Newsroom Ngayon.
“Sila (Protesters) naman mismo nagsabi na basta sila ay payagan na magdaos ng kaunting programa, nangangako sila na susunod sila doon sa extended limitation ng permit na ibibigay sa kanila,” she added.
[Translation: Burning of effigies is not allowed. Before the SONA, we engaged in a dialogue with the protesters. They themselves promised to follow the extended limitation of the permit given to them should they be allowed to hold a program.]
Fajardo also said the burning of effigies is not good for one’s health and it may violate the Clean Air Act and other ordinances.
Political alliance Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) earlier said thousands of protesters are expected to gather for the SONA protest.
READ: Bayan sees ‘bigger’ protests on Marcos’ 2nd SONA
Fajardo said demonstrators are only allowed on Commonwealth Ave. up to the corner of Tandang Sora Ave. That area is around five kilometers away from the Batasang Pambansa complex.
She added that the police were reminded to maintain maximum tolerance when dealing with protesters.
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