By: Genalyn D. Kabiling
MalacaƱang is unperturbed by the protest actions condemning the death of 17-year-old Grade 11 student Kian delos Santos in the governmentās anti-drug crackdown last week in Caloocan City, believing that any criticism is part of the territory.
Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella affirmed that groups are free to hold protest as long as they do not cause trouble.
āThe rally for Kian is part of the peopleās right to assemble, express their views, and air their grievances,ā he said.
āThe President has said time and again that he will allow mass protest as long as it does not cause public inconvenience or compromise public safety. This is consistent with PRRDās philosophy that criticism ā good or bad ā is part of the territory of anyone working in the government,ā he added.
Abella assured that the police would apply maximum tolerance toward the protesters.
āHaving said this, we enjoin protesters to fully cooperate with police authorities who are expected to exercise maximum tolerance during the event,ā he said.
Delos Santos was among the dozens of people shot dead during massive anti-drug operations conducted by the police last week. His death has sparked mounting public outrage over the alleged summary killings under Duterteās brutal drug war, prompting calls for an investigation.
MalacaƱang had earlier said Delos Santosā death was an isolated incident but later conceded it was āone death too many.ā The death of Delos Santos is now under investigation and the Palace has assured any police abuse would not be tolerated.
āThis deeply regrettable incident has triggered deep public sentiment, and challenges those in law enforcement to be wary of the reckless exercise of power and authority,ā Abella said.
āHaving said this, the President, who continues to vigorously pursue the dismantling of drug apparatus, ensures that erring enforcers will be properly investigated,ā he said.