The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) said the first day of the United People’s Initiative (UPI) “Peaceful Rally for Transparency” at the People Power Monument (PPM) on 16 November concluded “peaceful and orderly,” with no untoward incidents reported.

QCPD Director Col. Randy Silvio said more than 1,500 policemen were deployed at the protest site and surrounding areas along EDSA–White Plains Avenue to secure demonstrators and maintain public order.

The presence of security forces will remain as the Quezon City local government granted another rally permit for a second day of demonstrations on 17 November.

As of 12 noon Monday, UPI gathered around 2,000 participants, including Cavite 4th District Rep. Kiko Barzaga, a staunch critic of the Marcos administration.

Retired Gen. Elmo San Diego, head of the Quezon City Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS), confirmed that “another permit was granted to UPI, same time and venue,” noting that the group is allotted from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. to carry out activities. He stressed that while the LGU and QCPD are responsible for security, UPI must also take charge of crowd management.

Silvio said a total of 1,715 QCPD personnel were deployed across strategic locations — including the People Power Monument and the House of Representatives — with support from partner agencies.

Pre-event coordination with traffic authorities, emergency teams, and local government offices was also conducted to ensure smooth deployment and uninterrupted public safety operations.

He thanked all organizers and support groups for maintaining compliance throughout the event.

“Our priority is to ensure that every citizen can exercise their rights safely and peacefully. Today’s successful rally reflects the teamwork of our personnel and partners, and we aim to maintain the same peace and order over the next two days,” Silvio said.