PNP chief Acorda appeals to SONA protesters not to throw paint at cops

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. on Monday appealed to protesters not to throw paint at cops during their activities during the State of the Nation Addresses of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. next month.

“While it is the expression of their rights, may I appeal especially yung pagbabato ng pintura, ako ay nakikiusap na sana huwag naman nating gawin yan,” Acorda said at a press conference.

(While it is their expression of their rights, may I appeal to the protesters not to throw paint at our police officers)

“Respeto na lang po sa uniporme ng ating kapulisan. At the same time, ang hirap pong bumili ng uniporme, mahal po ang uniporme,” he added.

(Just show respect to the uniform of the police. At the same time, police uniforms are expensive.)

Marcos’ second SONA is scheduled on July 24, 2023.

Acorda said the police will acknowledge the permits of protesters from concerned local government units (LGU). He added that protesters will have designated areas where they can hold their program.

The PNP will support the security arrangement for SONA which will be led by the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), according to Acorda.

Acorda said the threat assessment for the SONA is still ongoing. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News