The Philippine National Police (PNP) has been placed on alert to prevent a repeat of the Sept. 21 riot and ensure public safety ahead of a planned series of anti-corruption protests set to take place every Friday, acting PNP chief Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. announced.
The move came after the Trillion-Peso March movement, which organized the mass demonstration at the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City last Sept. 21, said it will hold weekly anti-corruption protests starting Oct. 10, culminating in a nationwide rally on Nov. 30.
Nartatez said police commanders in Metro Manila and other key areas across the country have been directed to prepare security measures and coordinate closely with organizers to ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of the rallies.
“We understand the importance of these activities for people who seek the truth, for people who seek justice, for people who call for justice amid allegations of wrongdoings involving taxpayers’ money,” he said.
He added that part of the preparations is to secure peaceful assemblies from potential rioters, citing the Sept. 21 protest in Mendiola and Ayala Bridge, Manila, where a group of individuals—including minors—were allegedly exploited to incite violence.
The PNP has not detected any serious threat to national security, but the acting police chief assured that the organization is conducting continuous monitoring and threat assessment nationwide.
“While we assure the police of their active role in securing these activities, we are always ready for any eventuality, especially those who would dare to exploit these public assemblies to sow violence and openly violate the law,” he said.
“The PNP’s mandate is to ensure peace and order and uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, we will keep that commitment in the interest of the Filipino people and the duly-constituted authorities,” he stressed.
To ensure readiness, Nartatez ordered regular situation assessments and adjustments in police deployment based on real-time developments on the ground.
Apart from uniformed personnel stationed in key areas, reserve units will be placed on standby alert to reinforce local police if needed. (Martin Sadongdong)
