Metro police deploying 16,433 personnel for 3-day rallies
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will deploy more than 16,000 personnel to maintain peace and order during the simultaneous rallies to be held by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) and the United People’s Initiative (UPI) movement in Metro Manila next week, its spokesperson said on Wednesday.
NCRPO public information office spokesperson Maj. Hazel Asilo said a total of 16,433 police personnel have been assigned to secure the three-day events from Nov. 16 to Nov. 18, with 8,641 officers coming from the NCRPO and an additional 7,792 from augmentation forces of other police regional offices.
The INC is set to hold its assembly at Rizal Park in Manila, while the UPI, which is composed of retired military officers, is expected to gather at the Edsa Shrine and the People Power Monument in Quezon City.
Asilo said that more police officers were being deployed as authorities anticipate possible “lightning rallies” in other protest hotspots, including the Mendiola Peace Arch and the United States Embassy in Manila.
Coordination with MMDA
“We are also monitoring other locations that could potentially host spontaneous gatherings, such as the US Embassy, Mendiola and other usual rally points,” she told reporters in a briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
To manage traffic flow, Asilo said the NCRPO is coordinating with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for rerouting schemes and designated parking areas for vehicles participating in the mass actions.
“There will be designated rerouting and parking zones for buses and other vehicles joining the rallies,” she said. “Since it will last for three days, parking areas will be available for the duration of the event.”
Asilo added that the final deployment plan may still be adjusted after coordination meetings later this week, depending on the latest intelligence and logistical assessments.
