NCRPO to enforce ‘no permit, no rally’ policy
AMID the preparations for the 40th EDSA People Power anniversary, a smaller monument along Congressional Avenue in Dasmariñas City depicting the historic event remains unattended with one hand of one of the statues missing.
Photograph by toto lozano for DAILY TRIBUNE
Police will enforce a “no permit, no rally” policy during the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution on Wednesday as various groups prepare for large-scale demonstrations across the capital.
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) spokesperson Maj. Hazel Asilo said Sunday that the policy is necessary to manage two major scheduled gatherings.
To ensure public safety, the NCRPO will deploy 14,000 officers to monitor EDSA and other parts of Metro Manila.
Asilo confirmed that only one group, the Trillion Peso March Movement, has been granted a permit to hold a program. The group is scheduled to gather at White Plains on Wednesday to protest government corruption and the rise of political dynasties.
However, the policy has drawn immediate defiance from other sectors. The Koalisyon Makabayan announced on social media that it intends to push through with its own protest along EDSA, regardless of whether it receives government authorization.
“The fight continues. The protest continues. With or without a permit,” the group said in a Facebook post, adding that the original 1986 People Power Revolution never required a permit to succeed.
Police officials said they would remain on high alert to prevent disruptions as the country marks four decades since the uprising that toppled the Marcos dictatorship.