The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday announced that a sufficient security force will be deployed to secure the three-day peace rallies that will be held in various parts of Metro Manila.
In a statement, acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. assured the public of both maximum tolerance and a meticulous system to manage police personnel fatigue.
He added that 16,433 police officers from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and supported units will be deployed to secure the assemblies not only in Luneta and the EDSA People Power Monument but also other areas where lightning rallies are expected to be held from Nov. 16 to 18.
Meanwhile, around 1,400 policemen will be positioned at the Ayala Bridge while 1,100 officers will be at Recto Avenue to secure the areas where violent rallyists sparked a riot during a previous protest on Sept. 21.
‘I have directed the NCRPO to ensure maximum tolerance and maintain a high level of discipline and professionalism among all deployed personnel. Our goal is to keep the activity peaceful, orderly, and safe for everyone, both participants and the general public,’ Nartatez stated.
Part of the security plan is to ensure that adjustments are immediately done as he emphasized the necessity of real-time monitoring of the situation on the ground.
He also addressed concerns about the continuous deployment of police officers since September to safeguard the Black Friday anti-corruption protests held since September.
Nartatez underscored the immediate implementation of welfare measures to maintain operational effectiveness without compromising the health of the police force.
‘We’re making sure that our operational readiness remains high while protecting the welfare of our policemen. I always remind our commanders to look after their people to make sure that they remain healthy, alert, at handa sa serbisyo [ready for service],’ he added.
Nartatez also said the PNP is continuing its coordination with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and local government units to ensure minimal disruption to surrounding traffic and communities.