More than 3,000 police personnel have been deployed around Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila, where members of the Iglesia ni Cristo are holding an anti-corruption rally.
In a statement, the Philippine National Police said 3,784 personnel were “strategically deployed in key areas to support security, traffic management and public safety operations.”
The PNP said around 2,300 rally participants were monitored at Liwasang Bonifacio as of 2 p.m.
“The calibrated deployment enables the organization to sustain necessary security measures while allowing police units nationwide to continue delivering regular public safety services,” the PNP said.
Asked until when protesters would be allowed to stay at Liwasang Bonifacio, National Capital Region Police Office spokesperson Maj. Hazel Asilo said the area is a freedom park.
“Since Liwasang Bonifacio is a freedom park, we don’t know what time they are going to end their program,” Asilo said.
On whether the INC is expected to hold another rally on Friday, Asilo said the NCRPO cannot say yet, adding that police still need to coordinate with rally organizers.
The INC moved its rally to Liwasang Bonifacio after holding protests at the People Power Monument in Quezon City on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The Quezon City government did not allow the group to hold another rally at the People Power Monument on Thursday, citing the inconvenience caused to the public during the previous two days of protest.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. urged police personnel deployed to secure the rally to remain disciplined, impartial, and service-oriented.
“We will remain vigilant to ensure the safety of all. Our policemen officers are there not only to maintain order but also to ensure that legal activities are carried out properly while keeping the public safe,” Nartatez said.
“We will remain professional and ready to help our countrymen,” he added.
Nartatez said the PNP downgraded on Thursday its nationwide full alert status, which was declared on Tuesday during the first day of the INC rally.
All PNP units across the country, except those in the National Capital Region, are now under heightened alert status.
The NCRPO, Camp Crame-based offices, and other units in NCR will remain under full alert status “to ensure adequate security coverage as the activity continues.”
“The adjustment of our alert status reflects our continuing assessment of the situation while ensuring that appropriate security measures remain in place where they are needed most,” Nartatez said.
“Our commitment is to remain responsive, respectful of people’s rights, and focused on public safety,” he added.