The Philippine National Police (PNP) will place Metro Manila under Full Alert status at midnight on September 18, as authorities intensify security preparations ahead of the 54th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law on September 21.

The decision was reached following the latest security briefing, with the PNP also preparing for the full deployment of more than 15,000 personnel on Saturday.

PNP spokesperson PCOL. Allen Rae Co said the NCRPO’s heightened alert status will take effect at midnight as part of the preparations for the expected gatherings.

“First and foremost, full alert status has been declared sa NCRPO. It will start midnight, yung paglipat po ng September 19 sa Saturday. And full deployment will be done maybe after ng Saturday,” Co said.

Earlier, NCRPO Director PBGen. Christopher Abrahano and Eastern Police District Director PBGen. Roman Arugay conducted a walkthrough of areas commonly used for protests, including the EDSA Shrine in Mandaluyong and EDSA Connecticut in San Juan.

Arugay also assured coordination between the EPD and the Quezon City Police District for the security of the People Power Monument along EDSA White Plains.

The PNP said adequate Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) teams will be deployed along major thoroughfares, alongside K9 units and assistance desks in critical areas.

The CDM personnel will be equipped with body-worn cameras under the directive of PNP Chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., who also ordered police forces to observe maximum tolerance during the demonstrations.

Despite the heightened preparations, the PNP said as of Thursday, it had not received any permit applications for rallies scheduled on September 21.

The security measures are being implemented to maintain public safety and order while ensuring that protesters can exercise their right to peaceful assembly.

Editor's note: This article was updated at 5:00 PM to include information on the PNP's full alert status on September 21, 2026.