The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Tuesday that adjustments will be made to security protocols for the second part of the anti-corruption protest scheduled for Nov. 30, aiming to prevent a repeat of the violence seen in Manila during a similar protest in September.
In a statement, acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said that the lessons learned from the Sept. 21 violence, where young protesters used debris and incendiary devices against police lines, have been taken into account in their planning.
“The PNP reaffirms its commitment to maintain peace and order and secure demonstrations being conducted by the public. We have lessons learned over the September 21 rally in Manila that went violent, and I assure our kababayan that we are ready to respond to any eventuality during the protest actions on November 30,” Nartatez said.
He confirmed that the police deployment will be increased for the upcoming protest, with officers instructed to exercise maximum tolerance while maintaining zero tolerance for violent acts like setting fires or throwing projectiles.
Nartatez stressed the importance of coordination with the protest groups to ensure peaceful demonstrations and prevent disruptions.
“We continuously monitor who these personalities are, lalo na ‘yung different groups na pwedeng maghasik ng hindi maganda (especially different groups that will do bad things). That’s why we filed cases,” Nartatez added.
The Sept. 21 protest had been peaceful at major sites like Luneta and People’s Power Monument until a group of protesters, including minors, clashed with police near Ayala Bridge and Mendiola, leading to a violent riot.
The protesters attempted to storm Malacañang and threatened to burn the presidential palace. The violence left almost 100 officers and several protesters injured.
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has already filed charges against at least 97 individuals linked to the September unrest. CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II confirmed that charges of inciting sedition, conspiracy, and sedition were filed before the Department of Justice on Oct. 28.
“The investigation is continuing, and in the next few days, we will be filing additional cases against the instigators and those behind the violent incidents in Recto and Mendiola,” Morico said.
