By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) is preparing possible charges against protesters who vandalized property owned by controversial contractor couple Pacifico and Sarah Discaya, amid the ongoing probe into anomalous flood control projects.
NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin said Friday that the protesters held a lightning protest in front of the St. Gerrard Construction without a permit on Thursday.
Aberin also refuted claims that police failed to intervene when protesters hurled mud and spray-painted the word “magnanakaw” (thief) on the gate of the property.
“It was a lightning protest not covered by any permit. Nevertheless, we responded with maximum tolerance in the area,” Aberin said in an interview with reporters on the sidelines of the culmination of the National Crime Prevention Month at National Police Commission (Napolcom) main office in Quezon City.
The Eastern Police District is now coordinating with the Discayas for the filing of a formal complaint. Their lawyer earlier confirmed plans to pursue charges.
“We are preparing necessary charges in coordination with the Discaya family,” Aberin said.
The protesters may face charges of malicious mischief and vandalism.
Also, Aberin said the NCRPO has laid out security plans and deployed around 2,000 officers across Metro Manila in the event the protest escalates to ensure peace during demonstrations.
“Just today alone, there were rallies. The NCRPO laid out plans already and at the same time, we deployed 2,000 members of the NCRPO just to keep the peace, and we also assure everyone that we are ready for any eventualities,” he added.
Earlier on Friday, about 100 Akbayan members staged a rally in front of the Discaya-owned compound in Pasig City.
They were dispersed peacefully, according to Eastern Police District (EPD) director Brig. Gen. Aden Lagradante.
Pasig police chief Col. Hendrix Mangaldan, meanwhile, reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace and order while upholding the rule of law, regardless of any affiliations.
“Recent events involving unruly behavior among rallyists and allegations of preferential treatment towards certain individuals have brought renewed scrutiny to our operations. The PNP (Philippine National Police) is guided by its primary mandate under the 1987 Philippine Constitution and further defined by Republic Act No. 6975. Our mission is to safeguard lives and property, enforce laws, and ensure public safety. This includes the vital responsibilities of investigating and preventing crime,” said Mangaldan in a separate statement.
“All individuals, including public officials or private citizens, are subject to the same laws. The PNP does not discriminate based on political affiliation or social status,” he further said, adding that allegations of special treatment would be investigated.
Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto earlier urged the public not to resort to violence when raising grievances over alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
Malacañang also reminded the public to avoid sowing violence and let the legal process take its course. (PNA)
