PNP discouraging groups to hold traditional Labor Day rally

April 30, 2020

The chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday discouraged those who will stage a public assembly and mass action in commemoration of Labor Day as they might face arrest for violating the enhanced community quarantine.

“We are aware of plans by militant cause-oriented groups to stage public assembly and mass action in several venues on May 1 in commemoration of labor day,” said Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa in a virtual presser.

“Much as we respect their right to peaceably assemble, out of the exigency of the health crisis situation, we beg to discourage them from pursuing these plans for their own safety and in the best interest of public health,” he added.

Gamboa emphasized that strict enforcement of the ECQ is the government's fulfillment of its duty to protect the right to life of its people, “especially against those who violate it by asserting their liberties, which in this case is not absolute, and which inevitably spreads the contagion further”.

“Arrests, detention, fines, and other penalties for violating the ECQ rules are imposed to hold violators accountable,” he said.

Meanwhile, the PNP chief expressed gratitude to the Muslim community for cooperating in making certain adjustments to their observance of religious rites during the Holy Month of Ramadhan, which he said are compliant with minimum standards set by national health officials.

“With this gesture of unity towards a common objective we thank our Muslim brethren for their understanding,” Gamboa said.

Meanwhile, Joint Task Force COVID Shield told labor organizations to focus their effort on coming up with health protection-related strategic plans to help workers prepare for the ‘new normal’ situation once the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) is lifted.

 “We fully understand that it is the labor sector which was severely affected by the government’s strict measures against coronavirus infection. Everyday, we see news reports and social media posts about how the quarantine affected the life of the ordinary workers and their family because their workplaces were forced to either limit or shut down the business operations,” said Police Lieutenant Guillermo Eleazar, JTF commander.

“But this is not the time to take the matters to the streets, in fact, it could only worsen the situation in terms of the health of our workers. So we appeal to the labor groups to focus their effort in helping the workers what to do and what to expect once the opportunity to work would be available again,” he added.

Every year, thousands of laborers go to streets to air their demands and grievances to mark Labor Day.

Under the current situation, Eleazar explained that it would only expose  workers and their family to  being infected by the coronavirus if they hold any protests.

“The national government, under the leadership of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, is doing everything it could to assist the affected workers and to lay down the groundwork for our workers to earn for themselves again,” he said.  Ella Dionisio/DMS