The Philippine National Police (PNP) has deployed over 16,000 personnel to secure three days of simultaneous peace rallies in Manila and Quezon City, with Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. issuing a directive for maximum tolerance and professionalism among the ranks.
The PNP was placed on the highest alert status ahead of the events, which run from Sunday to Tuesday.
In a statement, Nartatez Jr. reminded officers to remain professional, emphasizing that police “have no business of using our power and authority to intimidate and hurt the civilians that we vowed to serve and protect.” He stressed that using force should only be a “last resort” and strictly limited to what is necessary and appropriate.
A total of 16,433 police officers and support units are assigned to the two main locations: Rizal Park in Manila, which is hosting the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC)’s “Rally for Transparency and a Better Democracy,” and the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City, the site of the United People’s Initiative (UPI) gathering.
The acting chief assured the public of the PNP’s readiness, confirming that a comprehensive security plan has been activated, covering ground operations, traffic management, intelligence monitoring, emergency response, and maritime patrols.16K cops deployed to peace rallies ordered: Observe maximum tolerance
