THE Philippine National Police leadership yesterday said they are already gearing up for the upcoming Trillion Peso March and other related activities ahead of the 40th anniversary of the People Power Revolution to ensure the safety and security of all participants and the rest of the general public.
The planned gatherings will feature prayer and indignation rallies on February 22 and 25, with an expected turnout of around 50,000 participants prompting the PNP to mobilize more than 11,000 personnel to guard the event.
PNP chief General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. emphasized the importance of coordination and preparedness as the PNP intensifies its readiness for the large-scale public gatherings.
“Tungkulin natin na tiyaking ang bawat Pilipino ay may kalayaang magpahayag at magtipon nang mapayapa — nang ligtas at walang takot. We are committed to proactive, visible, at responsive policing during these events. Safety ang top priority natin, kaya pakikiusap namin sa lahat na makipagtulungan sa kapulisan,” the top cop said.
As part of the Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO) under the PNP Focused Agenda, the deployment will be anchored on strong district coverage, led by Quezon City Police District which will field 2,642 men, the Manila Police District (2,438), Southern Police District (2,322), Northern Police District (1,056), and Eastern Police District (1,000).
These forces will be reinforced by 700 personnel from the National Capital Region Police Office Regional Headquarters, 73 from the Regional Intelligence Division, 558 from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion and 77 from the PNP Special Action Force, said PNP spokesperson Brigadier Gen. Randulf T. Tuaño.
Support units will also be mobilized to ensure full operational readiness, including the Regional Communications and Electronics Unit (45), Regional Highway Patrol Unit (24), Regional Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Unit (103), and the Regional Medical and Dental Unit (10). In total, the combined initial deployment will reach 11,498 personnel, the PNP spokesperson said.
This comprehensive security coverage is expected to ensure effective crowd management, traffic control, emergency response, and public safety monitoring throughout the scheduled events, Brig. Gen. Tuaño said.
To further strengthen coordination, the PNP will conduct a coordination conference next week in line with the processing of permits and finalization of operational plans with event organizers.
Gen Nartatez also urged the public to cooperate with authorities to ensure the peaceful conduct of the activities.
“We urge participants and the public to follow safety protocols at guidelines. Ligtas at maayos na event ang layunin natin, habang inaalala natin ang legacy ng People Power,” he said.
The Q.C. local government has received request from 5 different organizations to conduct a prayer and indignation rally at the EDSA People Power Shrine and People Power Monument on February 22 and February 25 respectively.
Brig. Gen. Tuaño said they have not received any ‘active threat’ regarding the event but are conducting monitoring and daily threat assessment as part of their massive preparation to secure the event.
“Expect the alert level to be raised too,” he said. The NCRPO headed by Major Gen. Anthony A. Aberin will be the main unit to secure the gatherings, having learned the lessons well during the 1st two Trillion Peso March rallies last year.
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