The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said it has not received any threats in connection with the upcoming mass protest scheduled on September 21, which coincides with the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law, to denounce the corruption in government flood control projects.
At a press conference in Camp Crame, Police District spokesperson Police Major Philip Ines said that around 1,000 officers will be deployed on Sunday to ensure peace and order during the demonstrations.
“Titingnan po natin ‘yung level ng threat pero katulad ng nabanggit ko sa inyo wala pa tayong natatanggap na anuman pong banta,” said Ines.
According to RH Edniel Parrosa's report on DZRH's "Breaktime," Ines further reiterated that there is no intelligence report suggesting possible threats.
Meanwhile, PNP Public Information Chief Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño expressed confidence that the National Capital Region Police Office’s (NCRPO) deployment plan, expected to be placed on “full alert,” will be effective in managing the rallies.
“Gagamitin natin ang same formula, kung saan ito ay binigay ni SIL (Secretary of the Interior and Local Government) na sa tingin natin naging effective naman po,” Tuaño said.
Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. also echoed President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s statement affirming the public’s right to air grievances against the government.
However, he stressed that the police will not allow anyone to exploit the protests to instigate violence or disorder.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) earlier raised its alert status to “red alert” amid a series of protest actions in recent weeks.
Large gatherings are expected in Luneta, based on information from open sources and invitations circulating on social media. Over 200 organizations and 56 individuals have also confirmed participation in the so-called “Trillion Peso March” at the EDSA People Power Monument.
In a significant policy shift, the PNP confirmed that it will allow rallies to proceed even without a permit, reversing its earlier position that strictly enforced a “no permit, no rally” rule.
