DAVAO CITY (PIA) — The Davao Police Regional Office 11 (PRO-11) has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding public order while ensuring that the right to peaceful assembly is respected, clarifying the issue surrounding the “No Permit, No Rally” policy.
PRO-11 spokesperson Major Catherine Dela Rey, clarified that the police does not impose restrictions on rallies but merely enforces existing local government ordinances regarding public demonstrations.
“Free po talaga kayo mag-rally. Sa mga LGUs, may guidelines na kung sa Freedom Park kayo mag-rally, no need na kumuha ng permit sa local government. Ngunit, kung sa ibang lugar kayo magra-rally, kailangan niyo pong kumuha ng permit as per LGU guidelines.” P/Major Dela Rey said.
(You are free to rally. To the LGUs there are guidelines that if the rally is held in the Freedom Park there is no need to get permits from the local government. But if the rally is held in other places you need to get a permit as per LGU guidelines.)
She emphasized that the PNP’s role is only to implement city ordinances, not to dictate policies restricting protests.
“Hindi po kami ang nagsasabi na ‘No Permit, No Rally.’ Hindi po yan sa police.” she added.
(We are not saying No Permit, No Rally, this does not come from the police)
This clarification comes amid concerns about restrictions on public demonstrations. PMAJ. Dela Rey reiterated that Freedom Parks remain open for protests without permits, ensuring
that citizens can freely exercise their constitutional rights in designated areas. However, rallies held in other locations must comply with LGU regulations, which may require obtaining a permit.
Dela Rey’s statement underscores the PNP’s role in maintaining peace and order while ensuring that civic freedoms are not curtailed. She called on the public to remain informed about local guidelines to avoid misunderstandings and unnecessary confrontations.
With this clarification, the PNP XI hopes to bridge communication gaps and reaffirm its stance on safeguarding both security and democratic freedoms in the Davao Region. (REC / PIA XI)
