BACOLOD CITY – The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region heightened security and public safety operations as anti-corruption rallies were held on the island on the anniversary of martial law on Sunday, Sept. 21.
Police Lt. Col. Joem Malong, PRO-NIR spokesperson, said that personnel were deployed to key areas, including the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and other potential protest sites, as the “no permit, no rally” policy was lifted.
“This is to ensure the safety of both the public and the rallyists,” Malong said.
A lightning rally was held at 9:40 a.m. near the San Sebastian Cathedral in this highly-urbanized city. Around 20 people holding placards with messages denouncing corruption and poor governance participated.
The rally concluded peacefully before 10 a.m.
Under the martial law deployment plan, police were assigned to visibility posts, conducted mobile and foot patrols, managed traffic, and manned checkpoints. The Regional Special Support Force and drone units were deployed for aerial surveillance.
No protests were reported in any government offices, according to Malong, at 12 noon.
Authorities assured the public that all operations were conducted lawfully and peacefully. All units are on full alert across Negros Island and Siquijor.
Mayor Greg Gasataya held a coordination meeting with key city departments on Sunday morning at the public plaza to ensure peace and order ahead of a rally.
"We want to assure them that, in terms of traffic management, the city will provide assistance. Let’s do this so that we can air out our sentiments in a peaceful manner," the mayor said.