PNP deploys 13,448 cops for 40th EDSA anniversary

The Philippine National Police will mobilize 13,448 personnel to secure the observance of the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution on 25 February, slightly lower than the earlier announced 14,226 deployment.

In a press briefing at Camp Crame, NCRPO spokesperson Major Hazel Asilo said adjustments were made following a realignment of personnel.

"We had a realignment of our personnel. Our PNP personnel from the Southern Police District were reduced. Instead of bringing them to EDSA, they were just realigned to our usual law enforcement operations in the SPD area," Asilo said.

For rapid response and public safety, the PNP has positioned 501 Quick Reaction Teams, including SWAT and EOD/K9 units, along with 337 traffic and route security teams.

Authorities also deployed 381 covert security personnel, 332 mobile patrol units, 186 beat patrol officers and 246 strong points in key areas. Medical support includes 142 teams on standby, alongside drone operators, negotiators, arresting officers and legal support units.

Asilo said police may disperse groups without permits if they cause disturbances.

In Quezon City, three of the five groups that applied for rally permits were approved, including the Trillion Peso March Movement, Tindig Pilipinas and Siklab. Only the Trillion Peso March Movement secured a permit for activities along White Plains Avenue near the People Power Monument.

"So what they asked was if they could come together since there was only one venue and only one stage to be used, so those who agreed to come together in the same location and on the same stage were the ones allowed," Asilo said.

Two groups were denied permits due to venue issues and jurisdictional concerns, including areas outside Quezon City and the EDSA Shrine, which is managed by a private organization.

Asilo clarified that carrying placards is not automatically considered seditious.

“Hindi naman natin pwede sabihing seditious na kapag nagdala sila ng placards, maliban na lang kung mayroon silang mga panawagan, halimbawa, magsunog or ibagsak. Yun ang mga cino-consider natin na red flags,” she said.

Asked if calls for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to resign would be deemed seditious, she responded: “hindi naman natin cino-consider na seditious kung, halimbawa, sabihin nilang 'BBM resign.'"

“Not unless, kumbaga, manghihikayat ka na magkaroon ng 'sugurin' o' sunugin,'” she added.

PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. stressed that the deployment is preventive and anchored on professionalism.

“Ang layunin natin dito ay ang panatilihing mapayapa, maayos, at ligtas ang paggunita sa isang mahalagang bahagi ng ating kasaysayan. We respect the people’s right to assemble. Kasabay nito, tungkulin naming tiyakin na walang masasaktan at walang manggugulo,” Nartatez said.

“Our police officers are under clear instructions: maximum tolerance, strict discipline, and full respect for human rights. Hindi ito pagpapakita ng puwersa—ito ay pagpapakita ng kahandaan,” he added.

He urged participants to observe safety protocols and cooperate with authorities.

“Sa ating mga kababayan na dadalo, makiisa po tayo sa pagpapanatili ng kaayusan. Iwasan ang pagdadala ng anumang maaaring magdulot ng panganib. If you see something suspicious, report it immediately. Seguridad ng lahat ang nakasalalay dito,” Nartatez said.