DAVAO CITY – The Davao City Police Office said on Thursday that comrades of New People’s Army commander Leoncio Pitao alias Ka Parago are welcome to attend his burial so long as they are unarmed and will not bring placard that insults the government.
In a text message, DCPO spokesperson Senior Inspector Milgrace Driz said “comrades of Parago are welcome to the Luksang Parangal (tribute) and burial provided that they will not bring firearms, they don’t have IEDs (improvised explosive device), they will not commit crimes.”
Driz said visitors should abide by the policies and ordinances of the city.
She said “any signage or placard insulting the government or any subversive document that would incite rebellious utterances or words” is prohibited.
“If caught we will file a case of inciting to rebellion or any case appropriate to their actions or violations,” Driz said.
Driz added that authorities will arrest those who will be found with standing warrants.
Parago’s tribute night held at the Davao City Recreation Center was already filled with thousands of sympathizers Thursday afternoon.
Reports however said some contingents were blocked from entering the city.
During the tribute program, Sheena Duazo spokesperson of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan said 10 buses from Compostela Valley Province were refused entry by the Army checkpoint in Panacan.
A report from Radyo ni Juan also said contingents from North Cotabato, Sarangani, Davao Oriental, and Caraga provinces were also held at the checkpoints in Toril and Panacan.
Mourners during Parago’s wake came from as far as Manila and Mindanao provinces including Surigao, Soccskargends and Cotabato City.(davaotoday.com)
