CAVITE policemen checking a group of protesters on way to Manila on Saturday had a brief verbal tussle with the rallyists on board five public utility vehicles for carrying effigies of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio intended to be burned during the Chief Executive’s 2nd State-of-the-Nation-Address.

According to Cavite Police Provincial Office director Colonel Christopher F. Olaza, members of the Imus City and Dasmariñas City Police Stations stopped five public utility vehicles carrying protesters set to participate to the Bigkisan Caravan 2023.

“Our police officers remained firm and demonstrated maximum tolerance and discipline at the checkpoint. Eventually, the participants were allowed to pass through the checkpoint after presenting appropriate documents,” he said.

Col. Olazo said the incident took place amid their commitment to uphold the right to peaceful assembly as guaranteed by the Constitution.

He maintained that rallies and demonstrations are an essential part of a democratic society, providing an avenue for citizens to express their opinions, voice their concerns and engage in meaningful dialogue with the government and fellow citizens.

“The Cavite PNP acknowledges the importance of these gatherings as a means of democratic participation and respects the right of all individuals to exercise their freedom of expression lawfully and peacefully,” the Cavite police director said.

At the same time, he encouraged all participants in future rallies to express their views peacefully and responsibly.

Likewise, he appealed to the leaders and organizers to ensure that any activity or public assembly will not create violence and danger to public order, public safety, public convenience, public morals or public health and be considerate to those who might be affected by the assembly.

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Alfred P. Dalizon