Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) has laid out security plans for potential demonstrations by various groups in the country in the upcoming days.
According to Philippines News Agency, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) spokesperson Maj. Hazel Asilo stated that a civil disturbance management team has already been deployed around the EDSA Shrine in Quezon City. Sixty personnel have been mobilized on the ground for crowd control, with maximum tolerance to be observed in designated protest areas. Protesters are reminded to avoid causing inconvenience.
The NCRPO reassured the public that police officers are prepared to maintain peace, order, and security amid ongoing and upcoming protests across the region. They emphasized respecting and upholding the constitutional right of every Filipino to assemble and express their views, while reminding everyone to exercise these freedoms peacefully and responsibly.
Eastern Police District (EPD) Brig. Gen. Aden Lagradante reported that 50 personnel have been tasked to support police officers in the area, both covertly and overtly. Similarly, Quezon City Police District (QCPD) acting chief, Col. Randy Glenn Silvio, confirmed the deployment of 50 personnel to the area.
The NCRPO stated that police units are on full alert, ready to protect both demonstrators and the general public. Security measures are in place to prevent incidents such as clashes, vandalism, and traffic disruptions, while ensuring the rights of all are protected. The NCRPO also urged participants to conduct their activities with discipline and respect for the law, advising the public to remain alert and cooperate with authorities.
On Thursday, groups such as Tindig Pilipinas, Akbayan, and Clergy for Good Governance gathered at the EDSA Shrine, calling for an independent commission to investigate the flood control issue. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reported that approximately 200 people rallied at EDSA Ortigas before dispersing by noon.
PNP acting chief, Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., noted that the police force is closely monitoring the local security situation and is prepared to suppress any unrest amid public outrage over flood control project anomalies. He confirmed that security plans for dispersal or crowd management are in place and that the situation in Metro Manila is being continuously monitored. Nartatez assured the public that demonstrations similar to those in Indonesia and Nepal will not occur in the country, stating, "We are preparing for that."
