PNP warns foreigners not to join anti-APEC protest

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police on Friday warned foreigners not to join protest actions during the country’s hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Meeting next week.

According to Chief Inspector Kim Molitas, spokesperson of the PNP’s National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), as a rule, foreigners are not allowed to join protest actions.

“As a rule they (foreigners) are not allowed to join protests. But we have to balance the situation. If the protest is peaceful, we will allow them (foreigners) to be there. But they will be dealt with after the protest. We have coordinated with the Bureau of Immigration,” said Molitas.

Molitas said that even though a protest action would be held without the needed permit, police officers tasked to secure APEC venues would be exercising maximum tolerance towards the protestors.

“Police will not trigger the tension. We will be exercising maximum tolerance. But it would be better if they (foreigners) would not be joining the anti-APEC protests,” she said.

However, should a protest with foreigners as participants turn violent or unruly, Molitas said police officers would not hesitate to arrest all those involved – including the foreigners.

“If the situation calls for it, yes we will arrest them and turn them over to the Bureau of Immigration,” said Molitas.

Meanwhile, Molitas said the NCRPO is now on full alert for the APEC week which starts on Monday.

“It is all systems go now. We have been ready since November 10. We have been on full alert since Thursday,” she said.