BACOLOD CITY — The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) is strictly enforcing the ‘no permit, no rally’ rule under the Public Assembly Act of 1985, following a violent encounter with unauthorized protesters earlier this week.
According to Philippines News Agency, Col. Joeresty Coronica, city police director, emphasized the necessity of this policy in a statement on Saturday, citing public safety and the orderly conduct of demonstrations as primary concerns. The recent incident involved a group of transport leaders who, lacking the required permit, held a rally that escalated into violence during police dispersal efforts.
“The BCPO respects the right to freedom of speech and peaceful assembly,” Coronica stated, “but it is our responsibility to ensure that such activities are conducted in a manner that does not endanger public safety or disrupt the day-to-day activities of our fellow Bacolodnons.”
Under the current law, any group or individual planning to organize a rally or public assembly in areas outside designated freedom parks must secure a permit from the local government. In Bacolod, the public plaza is the only designated freedom park where such activities can take place without a permit, though coordination with local authorities is still encouraged for safety reasons.
For demonstrations outside the public plaza, a rally permit must be obtained from the Office of the Mayor at least five days before the event. Failure to secure such a permit renders the assembly illegal and subject to police action.
This policy was highlighted by the events of Wednesday when police detained six leaders of a transport group who attempted to enter a venue hosting the Visayas Public Transportation Modernization Program Summit without authorization. The protest led to injuries of two policemen, caused by stones thrown during the dispersal. The demonstrators were subsequently dispersed with the assistance of firefighters.
The BCPO has taken legal actions against the detainees, filing complaints of disobedience and direct assault against them. Additionally, a petition for a writ of habeas corpus filed by the protesters was dismissed by the Regional Trial Court Branch 79.
“Cooperation between the police, the city government, and the citizens is essential to maintaining peace and harmony in Bacolod,” Coronica concluded, underscoring the importance of lawful and peaceful conduct during public demonstrations.