World · Philippines Bureau
PNP pledges restraint as Asean Summit protests loom
Philippine police say they will adopt a permissive approach toward demonstrations expected during the 49th Asean Summit, while urging organizers to work with security authorities.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — The Philippine National Police said Wednesday it would exercise maximum tolerance regarding protests anticipated during the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit in the coming weeks.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. made the commitment while appealing to protest organizers to cooperate with security officials coordinating the regional gathering. He encouraged rally leaders to coordinate with law enforcement to ensure public safety while respecting citizens' right to demonstrate.
The Asean National Organizing Council's security officials have requested that organizers consider deferring some planned activities to accommodate the high-level summit's security requirements. The PNP's statement signals the police force's intent to balance public order concerns with constitutional protections for freedom of assembly.
Asean summits typically draw demonstrations from various advocacy groups raising concerns ranging from economic policies to regional security issues. The PNP's advance signal of restraint aims to establish a framework for peaceful protest management during the high-profile event.