PNP chief, Gen. Archie Gamboa. (File photo)
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday urged the public and various groups to refrain from holding mass gatherings in commemoration of the country's 122nd Independence Day on Friday.
"On the part of the PNP, we will strictly enforce the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases) protocols. We appeal to the public, especially to organized groups, to avoid mass gatherings as we celebrate this important day," said PNP chief, Gen. Archie Gamboa, in a statement sent to reporters.
Based on new pronouncements of the IATF, only 10 persons will be allowed to participate in the commemoration rites at the Rizal Park in Manila in compliance with general community quarantine protocols.
This year's Independence Day celebration carries the theme "Kalayaan 2020: Towards a Free, United, and Safe Nation”.
The PNP will hold simultaneous flag-raising ceremonies at its national headquarter and in all Police Regional Offices that will be attended by a few personnel.
Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, commander of the Joint Task Force Covid Shield, told those opposing the Anti-Terrorism Bill to conduct their rallies online amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
"Ano ba 'yung last time, online na lang din yung kanilang mga programa kasi lahat naman tayo ay talagang basically online 'yung ginagawa (What did they do last time? They held their programs online. It's because we are basically doing everything online right now)," Eleazar said in a phone interview.
Various groups earlier held online rallies during the commemoration of Labor Day on May 1 in compliance with the enhanced community quarantine. (PNA)
