Law enforcement authorities across Metro Manila have activated full-scale security operations ahead of scheduled protest actions marking the 54th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law.
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director Maj. Gen. Christopher Abrahano confirmed that 15,746 police personnel were prepositioned across strategic locations in the metropolis as early as Saturday. The region-wide force has been placed on heightened alert to maintain public order and prevent outbreaks of disorder.
“We have been on full alert (since Friday) in the entire Metro Manila, meaning our personnel are already in place,” Abrahano stated during a radio interview, adding, “We have already prepositioned our CDM (civil disturbance management), our security forces to ensure the commemoration of the 54th Martial Law anniversary will be safe and secure.”
The massive deployment aims to prevent a recurrence of last year’s clashes in Mendiola, Manila, where violent confrontations resulted in injuries to 151 police officers.
“I am not saying there will be violence, but that is what we are preparing for: to prevent a repeat of last year’s incident,” Abrahano remarked, recalling that during the previous year’s protests, “There was chaos, some groups…looted (in last year’s protests). Seemingly, they wanted to project there was anarchy. But we are not going let that happen now.”
To prevent potential disruptions, the NCRPO chief explained that the operational framework relies on numerical superiority to establish “credible deterrence through overmatch.”
“There should be sheer number of policemen so that if some (are planning) to sow violence, they know they will be confronted with a superior force. Hopefully that would deter them from causing trouble,” Abrahano explained.
He noted in an official statement that maintaining a substantial presence on the ground allows forces to respond swiftly “so that situations can be addressed proportionately and promptly rather than allowing incidents to escalate.”
While progressive organizations such as Bagong Alyansang Makabayan have signaled plans to demonstrate, Abrahano confirmed that no formal rally permits had been processed as of Sunday morning. He noted that assemblies held within designated freedom parks do not require local government permits.
“They will be allowed (to hold protests) at freedom parks even if they have no permits. But ultimately, we will stop them (in areas) where they are not allowed,” Abrahano clarified.
Although intelligence monitoring has detected no specific operational threats targeting the events, police units remain on active vigil. Abrahano called on demonstration organizers to maintain discipline among participants.
“Our message is straightforward: Express your views, exercise your rights, but help us keep the streets peaceful and safe for everyone. We are here to secure the right to speak, not to silence those who speak,” Abrahano said.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed field commanders to deploy adequate assets and personnel, balancing public assembly rights with general public safety.
“The presence of our personnel on the ground is intended to balance the rights of some groups to peaceful assembly and the rights of most number of people not to be disturbed in their daily activities,” Nartatez said.
Nartatez instructed officers to observe maximum tolerance during encounters with demonstrators, while warning against provocations.
He cautioned that protesters “should not test our cops as they will respond accordingly, particularly to violence and hostilities,” adding, “We urge protesters to obey the rules, follow the instructions of our law enforcers, and respect each other’s rights to prevent any disorder. Let us make this day meaningful and safe.”