11,000 cops to secure Trillion Peso March

MANILA, Philippines — Over 11,000 police officers will secure the third Trillion Peso March by cause-oriented groups during the 40th anniversary of the EDSA people power revolution on Feb. 25, the Philippine National Police said yesterday.

PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said they would deploy police officers at the EDSA people power monument and EDSA shrine – both in Quezon City where the anti-corruption rallies are going to be held.

Rally organizers have informed the Quezon City Police District that five organizations are taking part in indignation rallies.

The first will be held at the EDSA shrine on Feb. 22 while the second will be at the EDSA people power monument on Feb. 25.

Tuaño said the PNP is projecting a crowd of 50,000 for the two anti-corruption rallies organized by Caritas Philippines and other civil society groups.

PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered the National Capital Region Police Office to coordinate with the organizers to prevent any untoward incident and ensure that the rallies are peaceful and orderly.

“We are now reviewing and updating our security plan for this event. The goal is to ensure peace and order while respecting the rights of the people to assemble and freedom of speech,” Nartatez said in a statement.