The Philippine National Police (PNP) is on red alert on Sunday for the rally of different groups in Manila to echo grievances over alleged anomalies in government flood control projects.

Interviewed during DZRH Stories: Pinoy Documentaries, PNP Public Information Office Chief PBGen. Randulf Tuaño emphasized that the PNP did not raise the red alert only to guard the activity but to ensure the safety of all individuals in the community.

“Inherent sa trabaho ng pulis na may banta man o wala ay patuloy ’yung intelligence gathering natin,” said Tuano.

“Hindi nag-full alert para bantayan lang ang mga protesters natin. Ang PNP nag-red alert para po sa safety ng lahat kasama na po ’yung mga protesters, bystanders at ’yung community sa pangkalahatan,” he added.

As of 9 a.m., the PNP estimated fewer than 1,000 people at Luneta Park and around 60 at the EDSA Shrine and People Power Monument. Tuaño said this number is still low as the official start of the protest will be after lunch at 3 p.m.

He said more or less 10,000–15,000 are expected to attend in Luneta, while 20,000–30,000 are projected at EDSA and the People Power Monument based on the permits of five umbrella groups.

Tuaño shared that several adjustments were made today such as traffic control coordinated with other agencies.

“Sinunod natin ’yung 911 sa España… sapagkat ito ang magiging command and signal sa pagde-deploy ng mga tauhan,” Tuano said.

He added that they were directed by Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) chief Major General Ronnie Cariaga to deploy more personnel in Luneta and Mendiola to give more protection to protesters and the community.

They were also reminded not to forget their usual police operations that still need to be done apart from guarding the activity, such as anti-illegal drugs, anti-smuggling, and other crimes.