The Philippine National Police on Friday conducted walkthroughs and ocular inspections in Manila and Quezon City as it prepared for protests marking the 54th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law on 21 September.

National Capital Region Police Office officer-in-charge Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano inspected roads and key areas in Manila ahead of Monday’s protests.

Abrahano checked the CRB Mendiola, JP Laurel Street, Ayala Bridge, TIP Manila, San Sebastian Church, University of the East and Legarda.

He said the inspection allowed NCRPO personnel to assess conditions along the routes and prepare for the activities. He reminded police personnel to remain alert, maintain public safety and order, and respect the right to peaceful assembly.

Meanwhile, Quezon City Police District director Brig. Gen. Christopher Olazo inspected the People Power Monument along EDSA and other areas where protesters may gather.

Militant groups planning to hold protests, however, criticized the heightened police alert in Metro Manila, saying it was intended to “delegitimize the protests.”

Bayan secretary-general Renato Reyes said the PNP “wants the people to think that the bigger problem is the scheduled protest and not the systemic corruption, economic crisis, national sell-out of Filipinos, and continuing repression under this regime.”

“The full alert status signals repression and intimidation. It seeks to delegitimize the protests and reduce them to random acts of violence,” Reyes said.