The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) said it is strictly enforcing the “no permit, no rally” policy, in accordance with Batas Pambansa 880, or the Public Assembly Act of 1985, to ensure public order and safety during mass gatherings and public demonstrations.
Under BP 880, any group or individual wishing to organize a rally or public assembly in areas that are not designated as freedom parks must first secure a permit from the local government unit concerned.
The Bacolod City government and BCPO said the Bacolod public plaza is the only designated Freedom Park in the city, where rallies and public assemblies may be conducted without the need for a permit.
However, organizers are still encouraged to coordinate with local authorities to ensure the safety and security of all participants, the BCPO said in a statement Sept. 20.
P/Col. Joeresty Coronica, BCPO director, said the enforcement of this policy is necessary to maintain peace and order while also respecting the rights of citizens to freely express their opinions.
“The BCPO respects the right to freedom of speech and peaceful assembly, but it is our responsibility to ensure that such activities are conducted in a manner that does not endanger public safety or disrupt the day-to-day activities of our fellow Bacolodnons,” Coronica stressed.
Demonstrations held in areas outside the Bacolod Public Plaza will require prior approval from the city government through a rally permit, the BCPO said.
Any assembly without such a permit will be considered illegal and may be subject to legal action in accordance with BP 880. “Citizens and organizers are reminded to observe proper procedures when planning public assemblies. Requests for rally permits must be submitted to the Office of the Mayor at least five days before the scheduled event.”
The BCPO will continue to provide assistance to ensure public safety and order during these events.
“We encourage the public to exercise their rights responsibly and in accordance with the law. Cooperation between the police, the city government, and the citizens is essential to maintaining peace and harmony in Bacolod,” Coronica stressed.
The BCPO issued this statement following the dismissal of a petition for habeas corpus filed against two city police officials, in connection with the arrest of six leaders of transport groups Sept. 18.
The six petitioners were detained because they were staging a protest action in front of L’Fisher Hotel along Lacson Street, where a transportation summit on the implementation of the Public Transport Modernization Program was being held.
Coronica had said the six protesters caused traffic to halt, refused to leave despite repeated requests from the police, and turned rowdy as firefighters started hosing them with water.
He added that the protesters hurled stones at the police. While the BCPO “respects freedom of expression, it must be exercised at the proper place and time.” ||
