The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) is 100 percent ready to maintain peace and order in Metro Manila as various groups are expected to hold protest actions on Monday, 21 September.

NCRPO Officer-in-Charge Police Brigadier General Christopher Abrahano said the NCRPO has been on full alert since 19 September, with full deployment implemented across Metro Manila.

Abrahano said the NCRPO has calibrated its operational plan based on lessons from last year's disturbances, with particular emphasis on protecting vital installations, the general public, and rally participants exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly.

He described the increased deployment as a form of credible deterrence through overmatch, intended to discourage attempts to incite violence or disrupt public order.

The PNP has likewise said the deployment is designed to address similar incidents that occurred during last year's 21 September protests.

“We are not preventing them from exercising their constitutional right to express their views and advocate for their causes. We respect this right. Our responsibility is to maintain public order and public safety, protect the protesters and our fellow citizens, and prevent violence,” Abrahano said.

Abrahano directed all personnel deployed for the commemoration to, exercise maximum tolerance and respect the constitutional right to peaceful assembly, maintain professionalism, discipline and restraint in all interactions with protesters and the public and protect rally participants, bystanders and communities from violence and other threats.

He said police personnel were also reminded to use dialogue and peaceful engagement with protest leaders as a primary tool in preventing confrontation and allow peaceful assemblies in areas where they are legally permitted, while enforcing applicable laws and regulations in restricted areas.

Abrahano said cops are also instructed to use body-worn cameras during security operations, consistent with the PNP's operational guidance and to maintain clear coordination and communication among deployed units and immediately report developing incidents.

He also urged protesters to respect the rights of other members of the public who are not participating in the demonstrations.

“Let us engage in dialogue, listen to one another, and exercise maximum tolerance. Our objective is to ensure peaceful dialogue and peaceful expression. However, if there are attempts to commit violence or violate the law, the NCRPO is prepared to act in accordance with the law,” Abrahano said. NEIL ALCOBER