Security measures in place for rallies

MANILA, Philippines — The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has increased police deployment for today’s anti-corruption rallies to 17,105.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said it is fully prepared, together with the Philippine National Police (PNP), to ensure the safe and orderly conduct of the demonstrations.

“Our commitment would always be simple and firm: protect every citizen, maintain public order and ensure that this mass action proceeds safely,” DILG said in a statement.

NCRPO spokesperson Maj. Hazel Asilo said over dzMM that 10,200 of the police officers are from the NCRPO while the rest are augmentation forces from Ilocos, Central Luzon, Calabarzon and the Cordilleras.

Asilo said the deployment of more police officers is to cover more possible rally sites apart from the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City and the Quirino Grandstand in Manila.

Asked what will happen if protesters conduct rallies in other areas without a permit, Asilo said these will be resolved on a case-by-case basis.

“For example, if they are from Liwasang Bonifacio and they will move to a place where they don’t have a permit or clearance to have a gathering, our negotiating teams and our ground commanders are there to talk to their organizers,” she explained.

PNP has suspended permits to carry firearms outside of residence until tomorrow, which means only law enforcement personnel performing official duties and in proper uniform are allowed to carry guns during the period.

Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez warned that police officers will not tolerate acts of violence, intimidation or lawlessness to sow disorder, similar to the riots that marred anti-corruption rallies in Manila on Sept. 21.

“Our officers are properly briefed, equipped and ready to maintain order while ensuring the rights and welfare of everyone are upheld,” he said in a statement.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan president Renato Reyes said people from Metro Manila and even from the provinces will join the rallies.

Bayan chairman Teddy Casiño said they will also organize a protest at Liwasang Bonifacio, a freedom park that requires no government permit.

The Kilusang Bayan Kontra Kurakot has been advertising a Baha sa Luneta 2.0 and some protestors will head to Luneta first before proceeding to the Trillion Peso March rally at the People Power Monument in Quezon City. — EJ Macababbad, Ramon Lazaro, Ric Sapnu