The Philippine National Police (PNP) has placed all its units on heightened alert ahead of the Labor Day celebration, deploying more than 100,000 personnel across the country to ensure public safety during nationwide activities.
PNP spokesperson Randulf Tuaño said the alert status will take effect at 12:01 am Thursday and will remain in force until 12:01am Saturday. The measure requires full personnel availability, with all leaves temporarily suspended.
“This means 100-percent attendance among our personnel as we intensify our presence on the ground,” Tuaño said during a press briefing at Camp Crame.
According to the PNP, 95,556 uniformed personnel will be mobilized from various police units, supplemented by 2,576 personnel from other government units and 8,501 “force multipliers,” including civilian volunteers.
Authorities are preparing for possible protest actions traditionally held on Labor Day. Tuaño said at least three groups have applied for rally permits in key areas within Metro Manila, including sites near the US Embassy Manila, University of the Philippines Diliman, Welcome Rotonda, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Quezon City.
However, as of the latest update, no rally permits have been approved.
Despite the anticipated gatherings, Tuaño said intelligence monitoring has not detected any specific threats that could disrupt the observance. He emphasized, however, that the police force will remain vigilant.
“We are not going to be complacent. Monitoring continues so we can respond immediately to any potential threat,” he said.
Labor Day in the Philippines is often marked by demonstrations calling for higher wages, improved working conditions, and broader labor protections, prompting authorities to tighten security measures in major urban centers.