Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno" Domagoso said the city government is fully prepared to support residents and participants to mass protest actions in the capital on Sunday, Sept. 21, in line with the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law.
“This is our small share and initiative for those people who will go to Manila, particularly our people who will participate in the activities in different areas within the city limits,” Domagoso said in an interview after dispatching city workers early Sunday morning.
Domagoso said more than 300 personnel from various city offices have been deployed as part of the city’s response to the large-scale protest actions.
These include staff from the Department of Public Safety (DPS), Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB), Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW), Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), and Manila Health Department (MHD).
He said medical teams composed of doctors, nurses, first responders, and standby ambulances have been deployed to 14 designated sites to provide immediate medical assistance if needed by protesters, media, or police.
The city has also set up free water stations and portalets for public use.
According to the mayor, medical response units and essential services are in place to ensure public safety throughout the day’s events.
The 14 deployment sites include:
Postal Bank
Post Office
PLM Roundtable
Katigbak Ninoy Aquino
Museo Pambata
Service road in front of the U.S. Embassy
Mendiola
DBM Ayala Bridge
NPC Center Island
Five sites are found within the Kartilya ng Katipunan area.
“May tubig din ‘yan, one to... one to sawa, until supply lasts, for any John Does and Mary (There is water, one to... one to sawa, until supply lasts, for any John Does and Mary)," he said.
“Basta sila, kakailanganin ang tulong nino man, handa ang Lungsod ng Maynila tumulong kanino man, whether sila ay sibilyan o uniformed personnel (As long as anyone needs help, the City of Manila is ready to assist anyone, whether they are civilians or uniformed personnel),” Domagoso added.
For individuals who may need medical attention, the Manila City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) has medical response teams on standby at the following locations:
Museo ng Pambata
Mendiola
PLM Roundtable
Post Office
Kalaw corner Maria Orosa
NPC Center Island
DBM Center Island
Plaza Guerrero
Katigbak
The city government assures the public of its commitment to safety. “Everyone, please stay safe,” the mayor’s office said in a public advisory.
Acting Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., also personally inspected security preparations in Manila.
Nartatez visited Mendiola, Manila, where he reviewed the readiness of the Manila Police District (MPD) under Brigadier General Arnold Abad.
He also convened a meeting with NCRPO Regional Director Police Major General Anthony Aberin and MPD station chiefs, reminding them to ensure orderly operations and to exercise “maximum tolerance” in dealing with demonstrators.
The PNP chief also inspected several Light Rail Transit (LRT) stations, boarding a train from D. Jose in Manila to EDSA, Pasay City, proceeding to the EDSA Shrine, and returning to Camp Crame in Quezon City.
Nartatez underscored the need to safeguard the health of police personnel, urged respect for human rights, and instructed officers to prepare for possible bad weather.
“Rain or shine, the police will be on the streets,” he said.
He appealed to demonstrators for understanding, stressing that the police are not adversaries but are tasked with protecting the welfare and safety of all rally participants.
