NEW YORK- Pinaalalahanan ng Philippine Consulate sa New York ang mga Pilipinong balak makilahok sa mga kilos-protesta na mahigpit na sumunod sa mga alituntunin na ipatutupad ng New York Police Department (NYPD).
Bahagi ang “No King” protest, ikakasa sa iba’t ibang lokasyon sa America, ng umiiral na mga demonstrasyon laban sa malawakang immigration crackdown sa ilalim ng administrasyon ni US President Donald Trump.
Base kay Consul General Senen Mangalile, mahalagang parte ng demokrasya ang freedom of speech, subalit may mga batas na dapat sundin.
“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,” pahayag ni Mangalile.
“The Embassy respects these constitutional rights and hopes that any planned protests will be conducted peacefully and orderly,” pahayag naman ng Philippine Public Diplomacy section ng Philippine Embassy sa Washington, D.C.
“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,” sabi ni New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
“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,” dagdag niya. RNT/SA
