PNP Deploys Over 17,000 Cops for Sept. 21 Protests Nationwide

More than 17,000 police personnel have been deployed nationwide on Monday to secure September 21 protests as the country marks the 54th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law. In a statement, PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police commanders were directed to maintain peace and order while observing rights to freedom of speech and peaceful assembly. “If protesters remain peaceful, they can expect maximum tolerance and professionalism from our police officers. If individuals commit violence or criminal acts, they should expect immediate police intervention and accountability under the law,” he said. Nartatez urged rally organizers and participants to exercise restraint and respect the mandate of police personnel tasked with securing protest sites and other establishments. He pointed out that freedom of speech and peaceful assembly do not cover acts of violence, destruction of government or public property, or assaults against police officers. Several rallies are scheduled in Manila and Quezon City: Face-to-face classes in Manila schools have also been suspended on Monday due to security concerns related to the rallies. The PNP will require police personnel to use body-worn cameras and ensure proper documentation during police operations to help protect both rallyists and officers. Nartatez also reminded protesters to keep emergency routes clear and follow reasonable security instructions to prevent disruptions that could endanger participants and the public. The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) deployed more than 15,000 police officers in Metro Manila in preparation for protests marking the anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law on Monday. "Nag-deploy tayo ng considerable number of police officers. Umabot tayo ng mahigit 15,000 na deployment," NCRPO officer-in-charge Police Brigadier General Christopher Abrahano told GMA News' Unang Balita in an interview. "Kasama na 'yung dito sa may EDSA at saka dun sa western part sa Manila City naman," he added. Abrahano said the deployment was a precautionary measure aimed at preventing violence and maintaining peace and order. He described the police presence as a “credible deterrent through overmatch,” saying having a considerable number of officers on the ground could discourage individuals from committing violence. Asked whether authorities had received reports of approved permits for the protests, Abrahano said none had been reported to the NCRPO. He said protesters may express their advocacies in designated freedom parks. The NCRPO chief also said police would continue to observe maximum tolerance while maintaining peace and order. He acknowledged that unexpected protests could still take place. He said the intelligence community continues to monitor developments and has prepared for possible unforeseen situations. The Philippines marks the anniversary of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.'s declaration of martial law on September 21. More than 11,000 Manila Police District (MPD) personnel were deployed in various parts of the city, according to a report of GMA News’ EJ Gomez on Unang Balita. Additional police personnel began arriving at the Legarda area before 5 a.m. as the road from the Legarda intersection toward the Mendiola Peace Arch was closed to vehicles. Concrete and steel barriers as well as container vans were positioned as barricades in the area. Around 6 a.m., police personnel trooped along J.P. Laurel Street in Barangay 637 in San Miguel. A PNP command post was also set up near Mendiola. Authorities reminded the public that designated freedom parks are available in the city, including Liwasang Bonifacio, Plaza Miranda, Plaza Dilao, and Plaza Moriones for the protests. The road closures and security measures affected commuters and motorists along Recto Avenue and nearby areas. Some commuters were forced to take alternative routes or use the LRT instead of their usual jeepney routes toward Divisoria. According to a report of GMA News’ Gab Gonzales on Unang Balita, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) is on full alert for possible activities at the EDSA People Power Monument. Police have secured the People Power Monument but no protest is expected there. Both lanes of White Plains Avenue remain open, with no rerouting scheme in place. Traffic along EDSA northbound and White Plains Avenue remains normal. Police said they have received no threats related to the day's activities but continue to monitor the area. Personnel from the Quezon City Department of Public Order and Safety and NCRPO human rights officers were deployed at the monument. BAYAN president Renato Reyes Jr. criticized the Marcos administration's security measures around Malacañang. “Malacanang has determined that the biggest problem is the protesters, not systemic corruption, not the worsening economic crisis, not the sell out of the country through initiatives like Pax Silica and definitely not the human rights violations perpetrated by state forces,” he said. “There are nationwide protests today because a year after we took to the streets to protest grand plunder, accountability remains selective and incomplete. Protests are happening today because the rotten system remains and the people are crying out for change,” he added.—AOL, GMA News