The National Capital Region Police Office on Wednesday placed Metro Manila under full alert status ahead of the upcoming “Trillion Peso March” activities set to begin on 21 February.
NCRPO spokesperson Maj. Hazel Asilo said police have not monitored any specific threats but are coordinating closely with intelligence agencies to ensure readiness.
“Para sa mga threats wala po tayong namomonitor na mga banta pero patuloy naman yung ginagawa natin na pakikipag ugnayan sa ating other intel agencies para masure natin na lagi tayong nakahanda in case meron mga eventualities. Magtataas tayo ng alert level full alert status by Feb. 21 Saturday 5 p.m.,” Asilo said.
“Patuloy naman yung ginagawa natin na pakikipag ugnayan sa ating other intel agencies para ma sure natin na lage tayong nakahanda incase na may eventualities,” she added.
Prayer and indignation rallies are scheduled on 22 and 25 February, with organizers projecting up to 50,000 participants.
Asilo said the NCRPO will hold a coordination conference to process permits and finalize operational plans with event organizers.
“May mga nag apply sa Quezon City pero na approve lamang ng permit doon sa mga forward ng kanilang requests ay yung Trillion Peso March Movement kung saan sila ay inallow from 7 a.m. hanggang 10 p.m. ng Feb. 25 so sila ay binigyan ng hanggang maximum na 20,000 na mga attendees,” she said.
Aside from the People Power Monument along EDSA, police will secure other key areas in Metro Manila, including Ayala Bridge and Mendiola.
The Mayors for Good Governance and Kaya Natin! will launch the activities with the “People Power 40 Kick-Off Concert” themed “Awit at Aksyon Kontra Korapsyon” at the Quezon Memorial Circle on 21 February.
According to the organizers, the pre-show begins at 4 p.m., with the main concert starting at 6 p.m.
Pre-show performers include Madeline, Hey Moonshine, Stonefree, Chloe Redondo, Jkris Dantes, Crazy as Pinoy, TSN Drag, Mz. Chronicles, and DJ JhaiHo.
The main concert will be headlined by Ogie Alcasid, Janno Gibbs, Rivermaya, Ice Seguerra, Ebe Dancel, Pio Balbuena, stand-up comedians Alex Calleja and Red Ollero, Morobeats, Bea Binene, Elmo Magalona, Arkin Magalona, Earl Agustin, Chelsea Alley, and Over October.
Other special guests include Ogie Diaz, Mama Loi Villarama, and Iza Calzado.
“The concert seeks to remind Filipinos that the unity and courage that restored the country’s democracy in 1986 can today be channeled into the fight against corruption,” the organizers said.
“People Power proved that the Filipino people, when united, can stand up to injustice and demand accountability. This concert is a way to honor that legacy while encouraging citizens, especially the youth, to continue the fight for transparency and good governance,” they added.