Pinoys urged to protest peacefully as NYPD girds for 'No King' rallies
NEW YORK — The Philippine Consulate in New York has reminded Filipinos who plan to participate in mass protests to strictly follow guidelines that will be enforced by the New York Police Department (NYPD).
The "No King" protest, which will be held in various locations across America, is part of the ongoing demonstrations against the large-scale immigration crackdown under the administration of US President Donald Trump.
According to Consul General Senen Mangalile, freedom of speech is a fundamental part of democracy, but there are laws that must be observed.
"Everyone is free to express their views, but this must be done in a way that does not violate any law or legal order. Extra caution should be exercised, and at no time should anyone engage in violence or acts that could be considered a crime," Mangalile said.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. has also called on Filipinos planning to join protest actions to exercise restraint and remain peaceful.
In a statement issued ahead of protest activities scheduled for June 14, the embassy acknowledged the First Amendment rights guaranteed by the US Constitution, particularly the right to freedom of speech and assembly.
"The Embassy respects these constitutional rights and hopes that any planned protests will be conducted peacefully and orderly," the Philippine Public Diplomacy section told GMA Integrated News.
Similar protests are expected to be held in various parts of the U.S., just days before the birthday of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Law and order
The New York Police Department is expecting a large turnout at the protest, which is why thousands of officers will be deployed to Bryant Park, one of Midtown Manhattan's tourist spots, where protesters will initially gather.
In a press briefing earlier, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced that a joint operations center would be activated starting Saturday morning in view of the rallies.
"Our executives will be monitoring the protests throughout the day and will be ready to move resources as needed at a moment's notice. Our Joint Operations Center will be activated starting Saturday morning, where we will work in close coordination with the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) and other state, local, and federal partners. I have been personally speaking with federal law enforcement leadership over the course of the last week, and I will continue to do so," Tisch said.
While the NYPD will enforce maximum tolerance, they warned those planning violent acts that they will be arrested and jailed.
"For those who seek to peacefully exercise their First Amendment rights tomorrow, we are ready to help you do just that. For those who intend to commit crimes—who are coming here to incite violence, to cause property damage, to attack our cops—you will be met with the full strength and determination of the greatest police department in the world. And for those of you peacefully protesting who see others engaged in unlawful activity, my message is clear: Do not join them. Do not turn your exercise of cherished First Amendment rights into criminal conduct, because my orders are clear: If individuals at the protest tomorrow are committing crimes, they will be arrested, and those orders are going to be followed," Tisch added.
Similar protests are expected to be held in various parts of America, just days before Trump's birthday. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
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