The Philippine National Police (PNP) has called on organizers of the upcoming anti-corruption rallies to cooperate in ensuring the events remain peaceful and orderly.
Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. issued his appeal as he assured the public that the police force is fully prepared to secure the two scheduled demonstrations in Luneta in Manila and at the People Power Monument in Quezon City, where thousands of people are expected to attend on Sunday, Sept, 21, to protest massive corruption in flood control projects.
“We are 100% ready and we ask the protesters to respect your police, in the same way that we respect your right to assemble and air your grievances,” said Nartatez.
The rallies, which coincides with the anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law, stemmed from the expose on the massive corruption of flood control projects, which authorities said could reach to at least one trillion pesos over the past few years.
Nartatez said the PNP understands the anger and demand for accountability of the protesters.
“Just like everyone else, every member of your Philippine National Police is a taxpayer too. We too want answers, we too seek for truth, and we too call for accountability,” said Nartatez.
“Hindi kalaban ang inyong kapulisan, subalit meron kaming responsibilidad na dapat gampanan—at ito ang matiyak ang kaligtasan ng bawat isa. Magtulungan at magrespetuhan po tayo,” he added.
According to organizers, around 30,000 individuals are expected to attend the “Trillion Peso March” at People Power Monument while thousands more are set to join the “Baha sa Luneta” rally.
Protests outside Metro Manila are also expected.
Around 50,000 policemen are expected to be deployed not only to secure the protest actions but implement peace and order measures in Metro Manila and other areas where protest actions would be held.
Police forces in Metro Manila were already placed on full alert status starting Friday and the deployment of policemen are expected to begin on Saturday, Sept. 20.
Policemen who will be deployed in rally sites were instructed to exercise maximum tolerance. (Aaron Recuenco)
