Fishers to defy DILG advisory vs “mass gathering”

Fishers to defy DILG advisory vs “mass gathering”

Manila, Philippines — “The DILG should be reminded that our previous mass actions did not compromise any basic health safety. Their advisory against mass gathering will not hinder us from exercising our democratic and civil rights,” This was the response of the militant fishers group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA) on Sunday, which was “unperturbed” by the advisory of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) reinforcing the prohibition of any mass gathering, covering protest rallies.

PAMALAKAYA will participate in the protest to be led by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) dubbed as “SONAgkaisa” in time of the 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Rodrigo Duterte tomorrow.

The fishers group said that the DILG “has been conveniently using” the pandemic to prevent mass actions with legitimate concerns.

“The audacity of Secretary Ano to remind us of observing health measures when he can’t castigate, not even a slap on the wrist against his subordinate who flagrantly violated basic health protocols at the height of the quarantine,” added Hicap, referring to NCRPO Chief Debold Sinas’ Mananita mess.

“We will not bow to intimidation by any government officials; not especially from Mr. Ano who doesn’t have any moral and political ascendancy to impose a protocol which he could not even enforce to his ilks. The SONA protest will proceed tomorrow by hook or by crook; and we will face any state forces who will disrupt the peaceful assembly and provoke lawlessness at any cost,” Hicap added.

Lastly, PAMALAKAYA urged the Filipinos who are planning to conduct and join protests across the country “not to fall for government’s psywar terror tactics”, and continue asserting freedom of speech and assembly. ###

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