PNP ON FULL ALERT; OVER 50,000 COPS DEPLOYED FOR SEPTEMBER 21 ANTI-CORRUPTION RALLY

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) particularly in the National Capital Region (NCR) was placed on full alert status starting Friday to ensure public safety and maintain peace and order ahead of the September 21 anti-corruption protest rally.

The deployment plan includes nearly 10,000 personnel in fixed visibility posts, 17,000 in mobile patrols, 3,000 assigned to traffic assistance, 9,000 manning checkpoints and border control areas, 6,000 on standby for crowd management, 4,500 in the Rapid Special Security Force, and more than 400 drone operators.

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will be fully deployed, while all Police Regional Offices and the Reactionary Standby Support Force (RSSF) are on heightened readiness for rapid deployment.

“This is a proactive measure to safeguard the right to peaceful assembly while preventing any attempt to disrupt public order. Our priority is the safety of everyone—protesters, bystanders, and the community at large,” acting chief PNP Lt. Gen Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said.

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf T. Tuaño, added: “We call on 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.”

The PNP reiterates its commitment to uphold the Constitution, protect the public, and maintain a secure environment for all lawful activities. 

Meanwhile, Malacañang on Saturday said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. respects the people’s right to peacefully express their sentiments in the September 21 rally, so long as it remains within the bounds of the law.

In a statement, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Marcos values human rights and shares the frustrations of Filipinos over reports of corruption in flood control projects.

“Si Pangulong Marcos Jr., ay palaging rerespeto sa karapatang pantao. Malaya silang ihayag ang damdamin nila nang hindi naman lalabag sa mga probisyon ng batas. Naririnig at nararamdaman ng Pangulo ang pagkadismaya ng taumbayan at iyon ay kanyang nararamdaman rin,” Castro said.

Nationwide protests will be held on Sunday, September 21, to condemn  corruption in flood control projects.

The largest demonstrations are set at 9 a.m. in Luneta, Manila, and at 2 p.m. at the People Power Monument in Quezon City dubbed the “Trillion Peso March.”

The Palace Press Officer pointed out that President Marcos has ordered a full investigation into the alleged irregularities to ensure that those who misused public funds are held accountable.

The President established the Independent Commission for Infrastructure to investigate  irregularities in flood control and related projects over the past decade.

“Kaya ang pinasimulan ng Pangulo na pag-iimbestiga tungkol sa maanomalyang flood control projects ay magpapatuloy upang mapanagot ang mga taong nangabuso sa pera ng bayan,” Castro stressed.

She added that the President emphasized the need for public support in the government’s efforts against corruption and abuse.

“Nais  din ng Pangulo na ang taumbayan ay makipagtulungan sa gobyerno para matigil na ang pag aabuso na ito,” Castro said.

At the same time, Castro also cautioned the public to remain vigilant, noting that while peaceful assemblies are respected, there may be groups attempting to take advantage of legitimate causes for their own agenda.