PNP on heightened alert in Forbes Park amid calls for protest

The Philippine National Police has maintained heightened alert in the private residential subdivision of Forbes Park in Makati following circulating reports on social media calling for a protest in the area.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin told DAILY TRIBUNE on Sunday that regardless of whether reports on the planned protest are “validated or unvalidated,” law enforcers will remain in the area.

“SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics), DMFB (District Mobile Force Battalion), TMRU (Tactical Motorcycle Riding Unit), and covert personnel [are deployed],” Aberin said, adding that the number of officers deployed is “enough to arrest a mob numbering 100.”

Makati City Police Chief Col. Reycon Garduque said 325 personnel from the Makati Police have been deployed around Forbes Park.

The reported protest stemmed from social media posts by Congressman Kiko Barzaga on Saturday, 11 October.

“We have nothing to lose, and billions to gain! Tomorrow night we enter Forbes Park! #PeoplePower #MarcosResign,” Barzaga’s post read.

In a follow-up post on Sunday, he addressed residents of Forbes Park, saying, “We are only after Zaldy Co and Martin Romualdez. We hold no anger towards everyone else.”

He further claimed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. would be forced to declare martial law in response to the movement.

“Marcos will have no choice but to declare Martial Law tomorrow. Prepare accordingly. #PeoplePower #MarcosResign.”