The Police Regional Office 6 has issued guidelines for police commanders to follow in dealing with rallies and demonstrations in Western Visayas, which are aimed at ensuring the protection and safety of the protestors and the public as well.

Chief Supt. Isagani Cuevas, regional police director, stressed the need for commanders to initiate dialog with leaders of protestors before the rallies, secure and maintain order in confined and mobile assemblies.

The Negros Regional Ecumenical Council will hold an inter-faith rally tomorrow in Bacolod City, in what could be a follow-up of series of protest action last week, that calls for the truth behind the ZTE-NBN deal exposed by witness Rodolfo “Jun” Lozada Jr.

NREC is a council of protestant churches in Negros island affiliated with the other churches of different religious denominations in the country.

Cuevas stressed that no firearms shall be brought by members of the Civil Disturbance Management Unit to include officers during mass actions.

“Apply slow dispersal technique whenever it is applicable, but ground commander shall refrain from using water cannon and tear gas as much as possible,” he said.

In marches and motorcades along the public thoroughfares, Cuevas said protestors shall be contained on sidewalks in possible, or a maximum of one lane could be allotted for them and their vehicles, to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and ensure public convenience.

He also encouraged the establishment of a Citizen’s Care Center whenever practicable, to extend medical assistance.*GPB

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