DILG, PNP prepare for Trillion Peso March

The Department of the Interior and Local Government and Philippine National Police on Saturday declared that they are fully prepared to ensure the safe and orderly conduct of the Trillion Peso March this Sunday, 30 November.

"Our commitment would always be simple and firm: protect every citizen, maintain public order, and ensure that this mass action proceeds safely," the DILG said in a statement sent to the Daily Tribune. It added that the PNP will deploy sufficient personnel across critical areas to manage crowds, respond to emergencies, and keep traffic moving.

"Maximum tolerance will be strictly observed. To further safeguard the public, the Permit to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence in Metro Manila is suspended from November 29 to December 1. Only law enforcement personnel performing official duties in proper uniform are allowed to carry firearms during this period," the Interior Department said.

"These measures are in line with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to guarantee public safety while upholding the constitutional right of Filipinos to peacefully assemble. The DILG urges all participants to exercise their rights responsibly, follow lawful instructions from authorities, and contribute to an orderly and secure event. This is an opportunity to show that our democracy works when freedom and responsibility go hand in hand," it further explained.

"Our mandate remains clear and that is to protect every life, respect every voice, and uphold the rule of law at all times," the department statement read.

Meanwhile, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said its more than 16,000 personnel are ready to be deployed to maintain peace and order during the anti-corruption rallies in Metro Manila.

Police Major Hazel Asilo said the NCRPO has been on full alert since November 28 for the Nov. 30 rallies, and those who will be assigned to face rallyists will not be armed but will just have shields and batons. However, those providing perimeter security and arresting officers will carry firearms and handcuffs.

Asilo said they are going to heighten security in areas where no rally permit is required or has been given. This includes Liwasang Bonifacio, which is a freedom park, meaning no permit is required for those who want to exercise their right to assembly and free speech.

"Since ang Liwasang Bonifacio po — 'yun ang initial nating na-monitor na area kung saan sila magtitipon-tipon — ito ay freedom park so okay lang na wala silang permit. Kaya lang, 'yung possibility na magmartsa sila sa kung saan na kailangan ng permit is 'yun ang binabantayan natin," Asilo said, noting that the Mendiola area in Manila is off-limits.

"Ang Mendiola ay hindi pwede sa kahit anong pagtitipon. Off limits po yan. Hindi po 'yan talaga binibigyan ng permit," Asilo said.

The gathering at Luneta Park, Asilo said, needs a permit and clearance from the National Parks Development Committee and from the local government unit.

Possible other areas where rallyists may go are Quiapo and the US Embassy, which Asilo said are also off-limits. As for EDSA People Power Monument, the organizers of the rally there were given a permit by the Quezon City local government unit, Asilo said.

However, no permit was given for the EDSA Shrine assembly "kasi kalsada (because it is by the roadside)."

The NCRPO spokesperson reminded those who will take part in the rallies on Sunday that the following are not allowed in rally areas: firearms, knives, clubsticks, firecrackers, big bags, glass bottles, backpacks that are difficult to inspect, liquor, any substance that may trigger unruly behavior, hazardous materials, and drones. In Manila, rallyists are not allowed to wear balaclava, non-medical face masks, helmets, caps, hoodies, and tinted visors, because of the LGU's Ordinance No. 9134 or the Anti-Balaclava and Other Face Covering Ordinance.

Meanwhile, permits to carry firearms outside of residence (PTCFORs) are suspended in Metro Manila from November 29 to December 1 in light of the scheduled massive protests against corruption.

The rally at EDSA People Power Monument is being organized by the Trillion Peso March Movement (TPMM). Around 120,000 individuals are expected to join the Trillion Peso March at EDSA People Power Monument, TPMM spokesperson Francis "Kiko" Aquino Dee earlier said.

On the other hand, the Kilusang Bayan Kontra Kurakot (KBKK) is organizing the rally at Luneta. PNP acting chief P/Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Friday said maximum tolerance will be observed.