Australia issues travel advisory amid possible unrest in Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — Australia has issued a travel advisory urging its nationals traveling to the Philippines to exercise caution, warning that there is an “increased risk of demonstrations and civil unrest following recent events.”

Australians were also advised to “avoid protests and large gatherings as they may turn violent.”

It also said transport and other essential services may be disrupted. “Exercise a high degree of caution in the Philippines overall due to the threat of terrorism and violent crime.”

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday placed all police regional offices and national support units on heightened alert, instructing all
 uniformed personnel, particularly those engaged in police operations, to adopt proactive security measures and exercise heightened caution “for possible enemy atrocities.”

A memo said possible civil disturbance, rallies and mass actions may arise following the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte. The former president is now in The Hague, the Netherlands to face the crimes against humanity filed against him before the International Criminal Court (ICC).

PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said police personnel were deployed in key areas to support public safety efforts and ensure order.

No permit, no rally

For diehard supporters of former president Duterte considering gathering at the EDSA Shrine to voice their grievances, they must first secure a permit before assembling at the historic site.

This was the reminder from National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Gen. Anthony Aberin, who added that 21,000 personnel are ready to be deployed in case massive demonstrations take place in the metropolis.

“The EDSA Shrine is a private property owned by clergymen, so protesters should request permission first from the priests before conducting a rally,” he stressed in Filipino over Teleradyo Serbisyo.

“If the priests ask to disperse rallygoers, police officers will respond,” he added.

Gathering at EDSA Shrine became the chatter on Tuesday when authorities arrested Duterte after the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I issued an arrest warrant, which was transmitted through the International Police Organization (Interpol).

Former presidential spokesman Harry Roque, whose whereabouts remain unknown since Congress ordered his arrest, called on supporters to go to EDSA to show their outrage over Duterte’s arrest.

Aberin said the People Power Monument, just meters away from the EDSA Shrine, is not a freedom park, so any planned protest must be permitted by the Quezon City local government.

National Bureau of Investigation director Jaime Santiago on Thursday urged allies of former president Duterte to pursue legal remedies instead of calling for mass protests in response to Duterte’s arrest.

“They have all the remedies: our Supreme Court and judicial system are functioning,” Santiago said.

“But they should no longer call for People Power because problems cannot be solved through violent means,” he added.

Santiago also said the legal process was followed in Duterte’s arrest, emphasizing that the case should proceed through the proper judicial channels.

Protests

Supporters of former president Duterte conducted simultaneous rallies all over Mindanao to show their indignation on how the government surrendered him to the ICC.

In Davao City, hundreds of motorcycles gathered at San Pedro street Wednesday night and roamed around the city’s major thoroughfares in protest.

A prayer rally was also held at the Rizal Park.

In Panabo City, Davao del Norte, a bailiwick of Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo, hundreds gathered at the Freedom Park for a prayer rally for Duterte.

In Kidapawan City, North Cotabato, thousands of residents gathered at the main highway to peacefully protest the arrest of Duterte.

In Marawi City, hundreds of motorcycles also roamed the city streets. Siargao also showed their support with a motorcade. In Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat, hundreds of people held candles and prayed for the safety and return of Duterte.

The same is seen in General Santos City, Digos City, municipality of Midsayap, Zamboanga City, Oroquieta City and other parts of Mindanao.

Pro-Duterte group Maisug-Central Luzon has called on supporters of Duterte for a late afternoon peace rally and motorcade in Astro Park in Angeles City on Thursday.

Verdel delos Santos, Maisug-Central Luzon spokesman, told The STAR that the invitation was sent to their members in Pampanga and neighboring province for a 5:30 p.m. peace rally and motorcade. However, he did not disclose if they have applied for a permit to conduct the rally and motorcade.

EJK victim fund

ML party-list first nominee and former senator Leila De Lima vowed to file a bill that would establish a fund for victims of extrajudicial killings (EJKs).

To be called as the EJK victim compensation fund, De Lima said it will help those unjustly affected to recover from the bloody campaign against drugs during the Duterte administration.

“The primary objective of the EJK victim compensation fund is to give support and care to the families of EJK victims and those who lost their loved ones because of the killings during the previous administration,” De Lima said.

De Lima expressed her sympathy to the families and communities who were unjustly condemned by the Duterte administration’s bloody war on drugs.

‘Triumph of good against evil’

The arrest of former president Duterte is a “triumph of good against evil,” according to Fr. Flavie Villanueva, who has been providing support to families of drug war victims.

In a CBCPNews report, Villanueva said Duterte’s arrest is a “moral victory” because it showed that the nation is taking action on the drug war campaign that reportedly resulted in the death of thousands of people.

“It began with a nightmare because it should not have happened in the first place. But since it did, goodwill responded, and yesterday goodwill also won,” he added.

Last Wednesday, the priest led a prayer service before the inurnment of the remains of 18 more EJK victims at the Dambana ng Paghilom, or Shrine of Healing inside La Loma Catholic Cemetery in Caloocan City. – Jose Rodel Clapano, Evelyn Macairan, Delon Porcalla, Diana Lhyd Suelto, Ramon Efren Lazaro, Mark Ernest Villeza, EJ Macababbad