The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will be on full alert status starting Saturday in relation to Sunday’s mass protests against corruption in the government, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Friday.
“This is a proactive measure to safeguard the right to peaceful assembly while preventing any attempt to disrupt public order,” said acting Philippine National Police (PNP) chief PLt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.
NCRPO will be on full alert starting 1 p.m. Saturday to ensure peace and order during the protests, the PNP said.
It also said more than 50,000 policemen will be deployed in Metro Manila and other parts of the country during the planned activities.
It added other police regional offices and the Reactionary Standby Support Force will be on “heightened readiness for rapid deployment.”
“Our priority is the safety of everyone — protesters, bystanders, and the community at large,” said Nartatez.
PNP sokesperson PBrig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño urged rally organizers and participants “to coordinate closely with local authorities and observe lawful conduct.”
“The PNP stands ready, together with the AFP and partner agencies, to protect both freedom of expression and the peace of our communities,” said Tuaño.
