Hours before President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) today, July 28, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief PGen. Nicolas Torre III warned rallyists about the repercussions of burning effigies, citing the environmental law.
In a press briefing at the PNP National Headquarters on Monday, the PNP Chief was asked whether new laws were in place for burning effigies on the day of the SONA. Despite the gloomy weather, Torre said they would be monitoring the situation, adding that burning effigies is dangerous as some establishments or vehicles might be affected.
“May batas nga tayo dyan sa environmental law. Pero more than that, ang tinitingnan kasi natin dyan, [ay] delikado. Delikado sa kalsada [kung] magsusunog ka. May mga flying embers baka hindi natin ma-kontrol,” he explained.
“May tatamaan dyan, may isang kotse dyan na may diperensya at may leak ang gasolina. Tandaan natin ang mga sasakyan na tumatakbo dyan lahat ‘yan may gasolina. May gasolina at krudo ‘yan. Ang iba dyan ay LPG pa ang gamit,” he added.
Meanwhile, RH Edniel Parrosa reported that the PNP will practice maximum tolerance on those who would leave the materials used for burning effigies.
In an earlier update, Parrosa said that over 22,000 policemen are deployed in Metro Manila in observance of the President’s fourth SONA.
Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) implemented the “zipper lane” along Commonwealth Avenue from Fairview to Batasang Pambansa Complex on Monday for those who would counterflow.
