PNP revises security plans for Nov. 30 anticorruption rallies
The Philippine National Police is tightening security for anticorruption protests set on Nov. 30 to avoid a repeat of the violence that erupted when similar mass actions were held on Sept. 21.
Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement on Tuesday that the police have revised their deployment plans and crowd-control procedures.
“We have learned lessons from the Sept. 21 rally in Manila that turned violent,” Nartatez said. “We are ready to respond to any eventuality during the protest actions on Nov. 30.”
According to him, the PNP will deploy more personnel on the ground and maintain a visible presence in key protest areas.
He said officers have been instructed to observe maximum tolerance although they will not hesitate to act against protesters who become violent or destructive.
Nartatez said the PNP has been 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,” he added.
The PNP remains committed to protecting the public’s right to peaceful assembly while upholding law and order, he said.
On Sept. 21, the Baha sa Luneta protest was held at Rizal Park, followed by the Trillion Peso March at the People Power Monument on Edsa to mark the 52nd anniversary of martial law and to protest against irregularities in flood control and other infrastructure projects.
But violence broke out near the Ayala Bridge and the Mendiola Peace Arch in Manila after black-clad rioters wearing ski masks clashed with police officers. They hurled rocks and Molotov cocktails at the law enforcers who retaliated with tear gas and a water cannon. INQ
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 later criticized the police for allegedly failing to exercise maximum tolerance.
Despite the incident, organizers of the Trillion Peso March said they plan to stage another large protest on Nov. 30, the birthday of revolutionary hero Andres Bonifacio, to continue pressing their anti-corruption campaign.
