Manila: The police will exercise maximum tolerance in handling next week’s three-day simultaneous prayer rallies in the National Capital Region (NCR), acting Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said Thursday. “I have directed the NCRPO (NCR Police Office) to ensure maximum tolerance and maintain a high level of discipline and professionalism among all deployed personnel,” Nartatez said in a statement.
According to Philippines News Agency, some 16,433 police officers and support units will be deployed to secure Rizal Park in Manila where the Iglesia Ni Cristo will hold its “Rally for Transparency and a Better Democracy,” and EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City where the United People’s Initiative (UPI) group will hold its own gathering from Nov. 16 to 18. Policemen will also be deployed in other areas where lightning rallies are expected to occur, the PNP said.
Around 1,400 policemen will be positioned at the Ayala Bridge while 1,100 officers will be at Recto Avenue to secure the areas where violent demonstrators sparked a riot during the Sept. 21 anti-corruption protests. “Our goal is to keep the activity peaceful, orderly, and safe for everyone, both participants and the general public,” Nartatez said.
He added that part of the security plan is to ensure that adjustments are immediately done if warranted, as he emphasized the necessity of real-time monitoring of the situation on the ground.
