By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

With demonstrations expected in Bacolod City today, as part of the “National Day of Protest” observance, the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) has requested its officers to exercise “maximum tolerance” when it comes to encountering protesters.
BCPO acting director, Police Senior Superintendent Jack Wanky, said police officers will be securing the rally from convergence points designated around the city.
However, he noted, there have been no applications for demonstration permits.
Wanky also urged the public to be aware of traffic advisories in order to avoid rally sites.
Meanwhile, Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO) director, Police Senior Superintendent Rodolfo Castil, Jr., said his officers and the Philippine Army are on standby in case armed groups create trouble.
It was recently reported, Philippine Army 303rd Infantry Brigade (303 IB) commander, Colonel Eliezer Losañes, said the New People’s Army (NPA) plans to participate in demonstrations in the province, particularly in Escalante City.
Earlier, President Rodrigo Duterte declared September 21, 2017, which marks the 45th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law by former President Ferdinand Marcos, as a “National Day of Protests.”
He said this would allow Filipino citizens to conduct mass protests throughout the country.
The president also clarified September 21 is not a holiday./WDJ