The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will deploy over 15,000 officers for the anticipated Martial Law Anniversary protests in Metro Manila.
In an interview on Rapido Hataw Balita, NCRPO Spokesperson PltCol. Hazel Asilo said there will be a total of 15,227 police officers scattered across cities, stationed not only at prominent “rally areas,” but to serve as border control, as they estimate rally participants to reach about 3,000 in number.
“Sa ngayon po, ang atin pong nakatakdang ide-deploy is nasa 15,227. Malaki po ito compared doon sa nakaraan nating deployment na nasa 10,000 para po i-ensure na lahat ng location ay mababantayan po natin,” Asilo told the anchors.
“‘Yung deployment po na ito ay hindi lamang po para sa mga rallies na magaganap or doon sa mga rally areas… magiging mga border control points po natin ‘yung atin pong anti-criminality para sa iba’t ibang areas po ng Metro Manila ay kasama na po sa deployment na ito,” she explained.
In addition, Asilo reminded that Mendiola Street and other roads are “no-rally zones,” and protesters can instead gather at Freedom Parks such as the Plaza Miranda, Liwasang Bonifacio, and Quezon Memorial Circle.
Protesters who are arranging for demonstrations in areas like the People Power Monument must obtain permits, the police official said.
Lastly, she reminded individuals considering participation in protests to check if they will be holding peaceful demonstrations or are likely to cause trouble, which may result in participants’ arrest.
“I-check po natin kung itong mga grupong pong ito ay mga grupo na magsusulong ng kanilang mga saloobin nang mapayapa at hindi po ‘yung mga magca-cause lamang po ng gulo na maaari pong maging sanhi para kayo ay madampot or maaresto,” Asilo addressed the public.
“So piliin po natin ‘yung mga grupong sasamahan natin, kung mayro’n po tayong mga gustong iparating, mga saloobin na gusto nating ipahayag, piliin po natin ‘yung mga grupo na gusto po natin samahan,” she emphasized.
Last year, the September 21 anti-corruption rally resulted in one death and 76 injuries.
Watch the full exclusive interview below.
