Photo courtesy of Office of the Chief PNP/Facebook.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. reminded police officers to remain calm and disciplined as groups prepared to hold protest actions marking the 40th anniversary of the Edsa People Power Revolution.
Nartatez, speaking during the flag-raising ceremony at Camp Crame on Monday, told personnel to avoid confrontation and not to be drawn into provocation during the demonstrations.
He said police officers were expected to act with professionalism and neutrality, stressing that restraint and sound judgment, rather than force, defined proper law enforcement conduct.
The PNP chief added that the Edsa commemoration served as a reminder of democratic institutions and the rule of law, noting that the police force did not take political sides but was mandated to uphold the Constitution and maintain peace and order.
Two rallies were scheduled on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at the People Power Monument and the Edsa Shrine, with organizers citing government corruption and the anniversary of the ouster of former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) planned to deploy more than 10,800 officers across Metro Manila to secure the events, according to police officials.
Authorities said only the Trillion Peso March Movement had secured a permit from the Quezon City government to hold a program along White Plains Avenue near the People Power Monument.
Police officials also warned that groups without permits could face dispersal if their activities disrupted public order or posed security concerns.