MANILA, Philippines — The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will be on full alert starting Friday as over 50,000 people are expected to join the anti-corruption protests this Nov. 30, authorities said.
Police units will secure key areas in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and local government units, NCRPO spokesperson Maj. Hazel Asilo said on Monday.
The Trillion Peso March Movement has obtained a permit to assemble at the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City. “We will implement maximum tolerance to maintain order during the protests,” Asilo told radio dzBB.
During full alert status, policemen are prohibited from taking leave except for emergencies or sickness.
Increased Security Measures
- Deployment of more personnel compared to previous rallies, including the Nov. 16–17 Iglesia Ni Cristo protest, to prevent incidents similar to the violence reported on Sept. 21 in Mendiola.
- Formation of civil disturbance management contingents, as well as negotiating, monitoring, and arresting teams.
- Closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras have been installed across key locations to streamline monitoring and allow rapid deployment of personnel in case of crowd surges.
Although no specific threats have been reported, authorities warned that some individuals may attempt to blend in with protesters to cause disruptions, Asilo added.
The NCRPO stressed its commitment to ensuring a peaceful, orderly demonstration, balancing public safety with the right to protest.
