The Police Regional Office in Central Luzon (PRO3) deployed on Saturday, November 29, some 2,100 uniformed personnel to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) to augment security preparations for the Trillion March 2.0 anti-corruption protest activities on November 30.
The send-off ceremony, held at Camp Captain Julian Olivas in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, was highlighted by ‘blessing of the troops’ officiated by Catholic priest Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Chy, the regional pastoral officer, the PRO3 disclosed in a statement.
Chy prayed for the some 2,100 policemen ‘for their protection, strength, and discernment as they perform their duties in Metro Manila.’
The contingents came from the Regional Mobile Force, maneuver units and provincial offices.
Brigadier General Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr., PRO3 regional director, said in the statement that the augmentation personnel ‘were carefully selected and thoroughly briefed to uphold maximum tolerance, discipline, and professionalism throughout the duration of the mass action.’
He said the deployed officers had been reminded to strictly observe operational protocols, respect human rights, and maintain vigilance at all times.
The police regional director assured that the PRO3 remains fully capable of maintaining peace and security across Central Luzon despite the deployment of some 2,100 police officers to Metro Manila.
‘Regular police visibility, crime prevention operations, and emergency response capacities within the region will remain uninterrupted,’ he said.
Earlier, Peñones said civil disturbance management simulation exercises were conducted in preparation for the deployment.
‘We reminded our troops to observe maximum tolerance, respect the rights of all demonstrators, and stay guided by the standards of our service. Our role is clear-to help maintain peace and order and safeguard the community,’ he added.
The November 30 anti-corruption rally coincides with Bonifacio Day, a regular annual holiday commemorating the birth anniversary of Andres Bonifacio, the ‘father of Philippine revolution’ against the abuses committed by the Spaniards against Filipinos