Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Friday the suspension of all permits to carry firearms outside of residence in Metro Manila from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1. This measure is in preparation for the scheduled Nov. 30 anti-corruption protests.
According to Philippines News Agency, the suspension is in response to the "Trillion Peso March," a large-scale protest planned for Nov. 30, 2025, coinciding with the observance of Bonifacio Day. The order, issued by acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., specifies that only members of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other law enforcement agencies on official duties and in uniform are permitted to carry firearms during this period. Although no specific threat has been identified, Nartatez emphasized the importance of proactive measures.
The PNP is also preparing for possible infiltration attempts similar to previous protests. Nartatez stated that intelligence monitoring is focused on potential agitators, ensuring the safety of the event. The expanded police deployment, consisting of 15,000 officers, aims to ensure a quick response rather than intimidate protesters. Nartatez reassured the public that the presence of law enforcement does not imply aggressive action, and the policy of maximum tolerance will be upheld.
The deployment includes 8,800 police personnel from the National Capital Region Police Office and 6,200 from the Special Action Force and regional police offices. Key areas of focus for deployment include Luneta Park, People Power Monument, EDSA Shrine, sites around Malaca±ang, and government buildings such as the House of Representatives and the Senate. Nartatez also instructed police commanders to coordinate with protest organizers, ensure the use of body-worn cameras, and deploy human rights officers throughout the protest areas.
In a related development, Caritas Philippines, the humanitarian and advocacy arm of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, announced that 67 archdioceses and dioceses will participate in the protests. Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, Caritas president, stated in a radio interview that the collective action is a moral call for justice and integrity in governance. The Trillion Peso March seeks to amplify the grievances of the people and urge officials to conduct a transparent investigation into the misuse of public funds.
