The Philippine National Police (PNP) is enhancing security for anti-corruption protests scheduled for November 30, aimed at preventing a repeat of the violence that erupted during demonstrations last September.
Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the national police force has overhauled its deployment strategy and crowd-control protocols ahead of the rallies.
‘We have learned lessons from the Sept. 21 rally in Manila that turned violent,’ Nartatez said in a statement on Tuesday.
‘We are ready to respond to any eventuality during the protest actions on Nov. 30,’ he added.
The Sept. 21 rally was held to mark the 52nd anniversary of the 1972 martial law and to denounce irregularities in government flood control and other infrastructure projects.
Violence broke out at the foot of Ayala Bridge and the Mendiola Peace Arch during the two major rallies-the Baha sa Luneta protest at Rizal Park and the Trillion Peso March at the People Power Monument in Quezon City.
The clashes left at least two people dead and led to the arrest of more than 200 individuals, including about 90 minors.
Human rights advocates criticized the police for allegedly failing to exercise maximum tolerance during the dispersal operations.
Despite the unrest, organizers of the Trillion Peso March said they plan to stage a larger protest on Nov. 30, the birth anniversary of revolutionary hero Andres Bonifacio, to continue pressing their anti-corruption campaign.
For the November demonstrations, Nartatez said the PNP will deploy more personnel on the ground and maintain a visible presence in key protest areas.
He said police officers have been instructed to observe maximum tolerance but will not hesitate to act against violent or destructive behavior.
Nartatez said the PNP is coordinating with organizers to ensure the safety of both demonstrators and the public.
‘We seek the cooperation of our kababayan to make sure the protests remain peaceful,’ Nartatez said. /gsg