The Department of Interior and Local Government-Davao (DILG-11) has warned barangay officials to remain non-partisan amid mass demonstrations staged by supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
After Duterte was arrested by virtue of a warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity, supporters across the Philippines have gathered in massive rallies to express their support for the former President.
However, DILG-11 said there have been reports that some barangay officials, who are supposed to remain politically neutral, have allegedly taken part in leading these rallies.
“Ang atong mga barangay officials sa kamatuuran lang apolitical man unta sila wala man silay mga partido so dili dapat sila mag apil apil kung unsa man ang kasikas bahin sa pamulitika ang ilang trabaho ang ilang responsibilidad ang pagtabang o pagserbisyo sa katawhan,” DILG-11 Director, Abdullah Matalam, said.
Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office-Davao (PRO-11) said it has allowed rallies to be conducted outside the Freedom Park even without permits, as long as these are held peacefully and do not obstruct traffic.
Police said based on The Public Assembly Act of 1985 or Batas Pambansa 880, public assemblies require a permit from the local government unit.
However, rallies held at the Freedom Park do not need such permits.
“Pag outside Freedom Park tinatanong talaga natin kung may permit o wala kung walang reklamo from the LGU di naman namin pinipigilan hinahayaan lang naman din namin we provide area security. Nag i-interfere lang kami pag may kaguluhan na, lahat ng rally sa Davao region generally peaceful naman,” PRO-11 Spokesperson, Major Catherine Dela Rey, said.
Duterte supporters have earlier said they intend to continue holding demonstrations calling for the release of the former president.
A massive rally may also be held during Duterte’s birthday on March 28.
“May security plan na po for that we will provide enough personnel to secure the area kung saan po gaganapin ang rally,” Dela Rey said.
