Photo courtesy of PNP/Facebook.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) placed its forces under full alert status ahead of Labor Day protests scheduled on Friday, as it prepares for large-scale demonstrations nationwide.
Police officials said the decision included the cancellation of all leaves to ensure full deployment capacity during the security period.
PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said the move was approved to allow quicker mobilization of personnel if needed.
The full alert status took effect at 12:01 a.m. on April 30 and will remain until 12:01 a.m. on May 2, authorities said.
In Central Visayas, the heightened security status will stay in effect until May 10 due to preparations for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in Cebu.
The PNP said the deployment of 106,633 personnel for Labor Day remains unchanged and will cover major protest sites in Metro Manila and other areas.
Police said several groups have filed rally applications in Manila and Quezon City, but local government approvals have yet to be confirmed.
Authorities added that under existing rules, applications not acted on within the prescribed period may be deemed approved, and they continue to monitor compliance with the Public Assembly Act.