AN ALLIANCE of child rights advocates slammed the police on Monday for allegedly intimidating them on the opening of classes.

Salinlahi Alliance for Children’s Concerns posted on its Facebook page that some police officers confiscated face masks, alcohol and food being distributed by its members to the students of the President Corazon Aquino Elementary School.

Placards calling for the safe return to in-person classes were also confiscated.

“The parents present were receptive and grateful for the initiative. However, police officers from QCPD interrupted the distribution, assailing that the word ‘ipaglaban’ in the phrase ‘Ligtas na Balik Eskwela, Ipaglaban’ was prohibited,” the group said in a statement.

“When asked why, the police responded that Salinlahi did not have a permit and that the distribution was prohibited. Salinlahi believes that this is the chilling effect of the Anti-Terror Law, misbranding humanitarian and aid distribution as anti-government action,” it added.

The group said schools should be zones of peace and should be “free from the presence of uniformed personnel inside school premises.”

“The group has persistently called on DepEd to ensure the safe reopening of schools amidst the ongoing pandemic and provide aid to students and families affected by the economic crisis,” it said.

The POST reached out to the QC Police District Station 6 for comments regarding the matter but it has yet to respond.