Kapamilya TV host Bianca Gonzalez can’t help but react to the forceful dispersal of the police of an NGO giving alcohol and face masks to the students of Pres. Corazon C. Aquino Elementary school in Quezon City.
In her tweet on Monday, August 22, Gonzalez asked why the police had to forcefully disperse the NGO in front of the young students.
“1. Bakit kailangang may dahas, may kriminal ba? 2. Bakit sa harap pa ng mga bata?”
1. Bakit kailangang may dahas, may kriminal ba?
2. Bakit sa harap pa ng mga bata? https://t.co/8LAly6VvFc— Bianca Gonzalez (@iamsuperbianca) August 22, 2022
On Monday, August 22 alongside the start of the face to face classes in the country, The Salinlahi Alliance for Children’s Concerns went to the Pres. Corazon C. Aquino Elementary school to distribute face masks and alcohol to the students. They also brought placards which says “Ligtas na Balik Eskwela, Ipaglaban”.
While the distribution was okay at first with parents and children receptive to the donations, the police suddenly came to confiscate the placards and the donation materials threatening the NGO that they will be arrested if they resist.
The commotion was captured on video and shared on social media which caught the attention of many netizens who disagree with the police’s actions.
Journalist Barnaby Lo was one of those reacted also saying there’s no illegal in distribution donations and asking for a safe back to school environment.
“A call to action is legal. Distribution of donations is legal. What was the police’s problem?”
A call to action is legal. Distribution of donations is legal. What was the police’s problem? https://t.co/rr536JD5h7
— Barnaby Lo 吳宗鴻 (@barnabychuck) August 22, 2022
Social media “priest-sonality” @pads_nosi also tweeted saying the police’s actions were “Berdugo attitude!”
Berdugo attitude! https://t.co/qefkEpQ8j0
— Pari Koy (@pads_nosi) August 22, 2022
Netizen @macronikki also reacted asking why the PNP had to harrass the NGO.
“Why are the police harassing these private citizens @pnppio? Are you mandated by law to harass people? Is there a crime in wanting for children to be safe amidst a pandemic that the government cant seem to control? Or the want for ayuda?”
Why are the police harassing these private citizens @pnppio? Are you mandated by law to harass people?
Is there a crime in wanting for children to be safe amidst a pandemic that the government cant seem to control? Or the want for ayuda? https://t.co/AvqI4gTut1
— Aling Sylvia Ster Stalong (@macronikki) August 22, 2022
@yamaguccislides and @hji_128 shared the sentiments in asking if the police’s forceful actions are necessary when the NGO is only distributing alcohol and masks for the students.
“when they were just giving out health necessities to kids and advocating for better implementation of regulations for the sake of students ?????????????? WAS THIS NECESSARY ????????????????????????????”
when they were just giving out health necessities to kids and advocating for better implementation of regulations for the sake of students ?????????????? WAS THIS NECESSARY ???????????????????????????? https://t.co/wh3JXPakLT
— kish (@yamaguccislides) August 22, 2022
“Tw// Vi0lence and h@rassment I mean was that really necessary? They were just giving out face masks, alcohol, and food. Why are they acting like its a huge crime to help the people, isn’t it the police’s job to help+”
Tw// Vi0lence and h@rassment I mean was that really necessary? They were just giving out face masks, alcohol, and food. Why are they acting like its a huge crime to help the people, isn't it the police's job to help+ https://t.co/FccdME2Tpm
— Journ. saw skz^^ (@hji_128) August 22, 2022
PNP meanwhile denied harassing the NGO saying they are just preventing traffic disruption in the area since it was a busy street.
The PNP also added that they’ve diplomatically requested the NGO to leave peacefully but they did not listen to their request thus resulting to the commotion.
“Despite our diplomatic efforts, the protesters refused to leave. Peace and order should be kept in a learning environment. Our personnel had to confiscate the streamers and placards because they didn’t take heed to our request,” said QCPD District Director PBGen. Nicolas Torre III.
