Personnel from the Manila Police District’s (MPD) Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) unit conducted a simulation exercise at the Mendiola Peace Arch on Sunday to enhance the police force’s response to potential unrest during protest actions.

The drill was designed to improve the coordination and readiness of officers, according to MPD spokesman Maj. Philipp Ines.

“This is so we can see the preparedness of our CDM contingent; it’s like basketball. Our team should know the movements of each one,” Ines said.

About 300 CDM members participated in the training, which covered various formations to be used when tensions escalate between protesters and police.

Ines added that arrests are also part of the operational procedure if the situation warrants.

“If we really cannot stop it and there is already an open violation and assault, here is our offense, our arrest procedure,” Ines said.

“We always hope for the best and expect the worst,” he added.

The training comes after a large protest on 21 September, during which more than 200 people, including around 60 minors, were arrested after tensions flared between police and several youth groups.

“We have high respect for the right of our countrymen to express themselves. But we appeal for it to be calm, organized and peaceful,” Ines said.

“We remind everyone that rights and freedom are always accompanied by responsibility,” he added.