NCR Police on Full Alert for Sept. 21 Martial Law Commemoration Protests

MANILA, Philippines — The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will be placed on full alert status starting Saturday, September 19, in anticipation of protest actions scheduled in connection with the September 21 Martial Law commemoration. The PNP announced that the transition to full alert status will officially begin at 12 a.m. Saturday, with full deployment of police personnel commencing at 5 p.m. that afternoon, PNP spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co said. More than 15,700 personnel will be deployed, according to Co. He added that the PNP may augment its personnel with forces from Central Luzon, Calabarzon and neighboring regions if necessary. Asked what gear police would carry, Co said personnel deployed for crowd dispersal management would have standard protective equipment, including helmets, shields and batons. "Babalik rin po tayo sa main function ng ating kapulisan to ensure the safety of other people and 'yung infrastructures natin," Co said. (We will also return to the main function of our police force, which is to ensure the safety of the public and our infrastructure.) "So we have to control pag 'yung crowd natin ay naging unruly," he added. (So we have to maintain control if the crowd becomes unruly.) The PNP, however, had yet to receive information on any rally permit applications as of Thursday morning. He added that peaceful assemblies may be held in designated freedom parks even without a permit, subject to existing rules. This heightened security measure comes against the backdrop of the Philippines' history concerning Martial Law, declared by former President Ferdinand Marcos in 1972. The commemoration often sees social movements and protests highlighting past human rights abuses and calling for accountability. The police's readiness aims to ensure public order and safety during these potentially sensitive events.