PNP deploys over 15,000 cops for ‘Trillion Peso March’ on 30 Nov.
PNP Officer-in-Charge Jose Melencio Nartatez and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla lead the blessing ceremony of newly procured police equipment at Camp Crame on Monday, 17 November. The upgraded assets include drones, motorcycles, vehicles, and mobile devices designed to bolster police operations nationwide.
Photo by Analy Labor for DAILY TRIBUNE
As the scheduled “Trillion Peso March” protest on 30 November draws near, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has readied 15,097 police personnel to ensure security and the orderly conduct of the mass action.
The deployment includes 8,805 personnel from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and 6,292 officers from Regional Support Units (RSUs), including augmentation forces from various regional police offices. Acting PNP Chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the NCRPO will be placed on full alert beginning 28 November.
“Full alert status allows us to respond swiftly to any situation and maintain a peaceful environment. The right to peaceful assembly is respected by your police, and we will ensure that this activity remains safe and orderly for everyone involved,” Nartatez said.
Police officers will be strategically positioned in major areas and along key routes to maximize visibility, allow rapid response and ensure effective crowd management.
Specialized units will also be placed on standby to support security operations. These include negotiation and monitoring teams, medical teams, arresting officers, as well as legal and investigation units, all prepared to respond if necessary.
The PNP has likewise activated joint security planning with the Quezon City government, the Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS), the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and other concerned agencies.
Nartatez urged rally participants to observe agreed-upon rules to ensure the safety of both protesters and the general public.
“We requested the participants to follow the agreed-upon guidelines. Cooperation with the police is important to ensure everyone’s safety,” he said.
The PNP also reminded the public that acts of rebellion, insurrection, sedition or incitement that may lead to disorder or undermine lawful assembly remain prohibited under Batas Pambansa Blg. 880 and the Revised Penal Code.
“We remind everyone to exercise their rights responsibly. Any action that may cause chaos or violate existing laws must be acted upon; our law enforcers will enforce the law firmly yet fairly,” Nartatez stressed.