Metro Manila police will go on full alert starting Saturday to secure a series of rallies and concerts marking the 40th anniversary of the People Power Revolution, authorities announced Wednesday.
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) spokesperson Maj. Hazel Asilo said the “full alert” status will take effect at 5 p.m. on 21 February. The deployment aims to maintain order during the “Trillion Peso March” and various prayer and indignation rallies scheduled through 25 February.
Despite the heightened alert, Asilo clarified that intelligence units have not detected any specific security threats.
“We have not monitored any threats, but we are continuously coordinating with other intelligence agencies to ensure we are ready for any eventualities,” Asilo said in a statement.
Organizers expect a turnout of up to 50,000 participants over the multi-day event. Asilo noted that the Quezon City government has approved a permit for the Trillion Peso March Movement for 25 February, allowing up to 20,000 attendees from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The festivities begin Friday, 21 February, with the “People Power 40 Kick-Off Concert” at the Quezon Memorial Circle. Themed “Awit at Aksyon Kontra Korapsyon,” the event is organized by Mayors for Good Governance and the Kaya Natin! Movement.
The concert features a lineup of prominent Filipino artists, including Ogie Alcasid, Janno Gibbs, Rivermaya, Ice Seguerra and Ebe Dancel. Organizers said the event aims to honor the legacy of the 1986 revolution while encouraging the youth to demand transparency in government.
“People Power proved that the Filipino people, when united, can stand up to injustice,” the organizers said in a statement. “This concert is a way to honor that legacy while encouraging citizens to continue the fight for good governance.”