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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PNP taps 50,000 cops to secure Sept. 21 anti-corruption protests

PNP taps 50,000 cops to secure Sept. 21 anti-corruption protests

Published Sep 17, 2025 11:07 am  |  Updated Sep 17, 2025 02:16 pm
Students and members of the UP community walked out of their classes and staged a Black Friday protest against corruption in government projects at the University of the Philippines Diliman in Quezon City on Friday, Sept. 12. The protesters urged the government to hold officials accountable for anomalies in flood control projects and demanded a higher education budget amid massive cuts and unfinished infrastructure. (Photo by Santi San Juan I MB)
Students and members of the UP community walked out of their classes and staged a Black Friday protest against corruption in government projects at the University of the Philippines Diliman in Quezon City on Friday, Sept. 12. The protesters urged the government to hold officials accountable for anomalies in flood control projects and demanded a higher education budget amid massive cuts and unfinished infrastructure. (Photo by Santi San Juan I MB)
The Philippine National Police (PNP) will be deploying around 50,000 personnel as part of the security and contingency measures for the anti-corruption protest action on Sunday, Sept. 21, that also coincides with the commemoration of the declaration of Martial Law.
Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the deployment is aimed at ensuring the peaceful and orderly holding of various activities which will be held in at least two major sites in Metro Manila—Luneta in Manila and People Power Monument in Quezon City.
“While we respect the right of every Filipino to peacefully express their views, our foremost duty is to protect lives and property. Our personnel are trained and ready to ensure that the protests remain orderly and safe for everyone,” said Nartatez.
The deployment, he said, includes 10,000 uniformed personnel in fixed visibility posts; more than 17,000 on mobile patrol; over 3,000 assisting traffic; more than 9,000 manning checkpoints and border control points; around 6,000 ready for crowd management; and around over 4,500 in the Reactionary Standby Support Force (RSSF).
He said around 415 drone operators will also be tapped.
“Together, these units form a coordinated effort to keep communities safe while respecting the public’s right to peaceful assembly,” said Nartatez.
For his part, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf T. Tuaño said that their goal is to secure all the people in the rallies while ensuring that normal routines for the rest of the people will not be affected.
“We are committed to a visible and strategic police presence across the country. Our deployment is designed to safeguard public safety while allowing citizens to exercise their right to peacefully assemble. Every team and unit is ready to respond to ensure a secure environment without unnecessary disruptions,” said Tuaño.
Thousands of people are expected to join the rallies in protest against irregularities in the flood control projects involving billions of pesos in government funds.
President Marcos exposed the anomalies and created a commission to run after those responsible.
Aside from Metro Manila several protest actions are also expected in the provinces. 
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