PNP on full alert ahead of 'Trillion Peso March'

The Philippine National Police (PNP) will place Metro Manila under Full Alert status starting 28 November in anticipation of the large crowd expected to join the “Trillion Peso March” on 30 November.

Acting PNP Chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. announced that the police force will be in full readiness for the protest, which has been granted a permit until 8 p.m. at the EDSA People Power Monument.

According to Nartatez, the full alert status ensures the highest level of police presence and rapid mobilization if needed.

“We will not be negligent. The full alert status allows us to immediately respond to any situation and maintain a peaceful and orderly environment. Your police respect the right to peaceful assembly, and we will ensure this activity is conducted safely and properly,” Nartatez said in Filipino.

A total of 9,099 security personnel will be deployed — 7,443 from Civil Disturbance Management units and 1,656 from the Reactionary Standby Support Force — to handle crowd control, negotiation, monitoring, and quick response to possible incidents during the rally.

Security preparations are ongoing in coordination with the Quezon City local government, the Department of Public Order and Safety, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and other concerned agencies.

The PNP also said real-time monitoring will be conducted through CCTV systems, while intensified social media tracking continues in response to growing online mobilization.

“We are expanding our monitoring across all platforms. Anything we see online guides how we protect our community at the actual location,” Nartatez stated.

The PNP reminded the public that Mendiola Street — particularly the area near Malacañang Palace — remains off-limits to protests and assemblies. Movement beyond the designated routes at White Plains and Temple Drive is also not allowed.

“We ask the participants to follow the agreed-upon rules. Everyone’s cooperation is vital to ensure the safety of all,” Nartatez stated.

The police also reiterated that acts considered rebellion, insurrection, sedition, or incitement are strictly prohibited under Batas Pambansa Blg. 880 and the Revised Penal Code, stressing that officers will remain “firm but just” in enforcing the law.

As of now, the PNP reports no specific security threats, but Nartatez assured that assessment and monitoring remain ongoing.

“Even if we have not received direct threats, our units remain on standby 24/7. It is our duty to protect the Filipino people,” Nartatez said.

The massive protest caught the attention of various people and organizations following the corruption issue faced by the country in relation to the anomalous flood control projects that involved various officials.

Nartatez warned individuals who may be harboring or assisting the accused in the alleged corruption of flood control funds, stressing that such actions will not go unpunished.

PLTGEN Nartatez said police units implementing the arrest warrants were already instructed to prepare and file criminal charges against those who would be confirmed to have coddled the accused in the graft and malversation cases.

“We understand the close ties among relatives and friends but accountability and the rule of law must always prevail. Let us allow justice to take its course and part of it is to let them confront the cases filed against them,” Nartatez stated.

As of now, at least eight individuals linked to the controversy are under police custody. The acting police chief encouraged the remaining suspects to surrender and face the charges against them.

Arrest warrants were recently issued against former lawmaker Zaldy Co and 15 others, including Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials and directors of Sunwest Corporation, in connection with the alleged anomalous P289-million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.