The Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Tuesday necessary adjustments will be made as part of the security protocols for the planned part two of the anti-corruption protest on Nov. 30, to prevent a repeat of the violent protests in Manila in September.
In a statement, acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said they already took into consideration all the critical lessons learned from the Sept. 21 violence instigated by young protesters, including the use of debris and incendiary devices against police lines.
“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,” he said.
He confirmed that the number of police officers deployed will be increased, with strict instructions to exercise maximum tolerance while ensuring zero tolerance for destructive or violent acts, such as the setting of fires or the throwing of projectiles.
Nartatez underscored the importance of coordination with the participating groups.
He said the objective is to facilitate the peaceful expression of grievances without allowing a few individuals to disrupt public order or endanger the lives of others.
Nartatez said the police are focused on three main priorities –close monitoring of protest groups, reinforcement of security barriers and surveillance systems, in coordination with local government units (LGUs) and additional deployment of security forces.
“We continuously monitor who are these personalities, 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,” he added.
The Sept. 21 protest was peaceful in two major sites at the Luneta in Manila and at the People’s Power Monument in Quezon City, until a group of protesters, some of them were minors, started the riot near the Ayala Bridge and Mendiola both in Manila.
The protesters tried to storm Malacañang and threatened to burn the country’s seat of power.
The two incidents left almost 100 cops and several protesters injured.
At least 97 people were already charged in connection with the incident, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group disclosed on Monday.
CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II said charges of inciting to sedition, conspiracy and proposal to commit sedition, and sedition under the Revised Penal Code were filed before the Department of Justice on Oct. 28.
“The investigation is continuing and in the next few days, we will be filing again cases against the instigators and supposed people behind the violent incident in Recto and in Mendiola,” Morico said. (PNA)
