NCRPO on full alert for November 30 protests

MANILA, Philippines — The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will be on full alert beginning on Friday as over 50,000 people are expected to join the anti-corruption protests on Nov. 30.

Police will secure key areas with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and local government units, NCRPO spokesperson Maj. Hazel Asilo said yesterday.

The Trillion Peso March Movement has secured a permit to assemble at the EDSA people power monument in Quezon City, Asilo said.

“We will implement maximum tolerance to maintain order during the protests,” Asilo told radio dzBB.

During full alert status, policemen are prohibited from taking leave, except in cases of emergency and sickness.

Compared to the Nov. 16 to 17 rally of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, the number of deployed police personnel will increase to prevent the violence that ensued on Sept. 21 in Mendiola, Asilo said.

“We will have civil disturbance management contingents as well as negotiating, monitoring and arresting teams,” Asilo said.

“Closed-circuit television cameras have been installed to streamline monitoring and allow police personnel to be deployed immediately if there is a sudden build-up of people in a certain area,” she added.

While no threats have been monitored yet, some elements might blend with protesters to sow chaos, the NCRPO said.