MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) will be deploying “police videographers” on Thursday, May 1, at Labor Day protests.  

In a statement released Wednesday, April 30, the PNP Public Information Office head, Chief Superintendent Theodore Sindac, said the videographers will be there to monitor “ranks of groups holding public assemblies,” as well as the PNP’s own men.

“This documentation aims to identify the trouble-makers and anarchists, and whatever incriminating scenes captured on tape may be used as evidence to support investigation and prosecution of cases in court,” said Sindac.

The PNP spokesman added that all police units have been instructed to exercise “maximum tolerance and the use of reasonable force” when interacting with Labor Day protesters.

“We assure that there will be no confrontation, no dispersal, and no use of compelling force if only public assemblies are held in accordance with law, and all actions are well within legal bounds,” said Sindac.

The PNP also called on organizers of Labor Day demonstrations to coordinate with the PNP “to ensure the peaceful and orderly outcome of their activities” and to “guard their own ranks against infiltrators and saboteurs who may take advantage of the situation.” 

Heightened alert

Since Tuesday, April 29, all PNP units have been placed on heightened alert. Sindac said they are not discounting “hostile actions” from members of the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army.

“Based on historical data, the CPP/NPA is known to stage hostile actions during similar occasions, including infiltration and agitation in mass actions, sabotage of public assemblies, and armed attacks on isolated government posts and vital installations in the countryside,” he said. – Rappler.com