NCRPO prepared for ‘Trillion Peso March’

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) announced Sunday it is prepared for the upcoming “Trillion Peso March” protest scheduled for 30 November, confirming uniformed personnel will be placed on full alert starting 28 November.

NCRPO spokesperson Police Maj. Hazel Asilo said in a radio interview that preparations began immediately after a recent large-scale demonstration by the Iglesia Ni Cristo, which called for transparency and peace.

Asilo disclosed that the agency activated comprehensive security planning and coordination with local government units, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other counterpart agencies.

The security posture, currently at a heightened alert level, will follow guidelines of prevention, responsiveness, and maximum tolerance to ensure an organized protest.

“The full alert is for our uniformed personnel so we can account for them in case additional deployment is needed,” Asilo said.

She added that metro police will be deployed in specialized teams, including contingents for civil disturbance management, negotiation, monitoring, and arrest.

The NCRPO will also conduct live monitoring using closed-circuit television cameras to test prompt response capabilities in case of a sudden surge of people.

Earlier, the NCRPO has received a permit for the protest to be held at the People Power Monument on EDSA, which is allowed to run until 8 p.m.

However, Asilo stressed that Mendiola Street in Manila, near Malacañang Palace, remains off-limits for protest actions and assemblies.

“Mendiola is not a place for rallies or mass gatherings. There are other places where people can request permits. We have designated freedom parks,” she said.

The “Trillion Peso March,” organized by the Kilusang Bayan Kontra Kurakot, is planned for multiple venues including Luneta in Manila and EDSA in Quezon City and the looming massive protest aims to push the government for greater action and reforms in protecting public funds amid investigations into alleged corruption related to flood control projects.