NCRPO: Over 16,000 cops to secure 3-day prayer rallies in Manila, QC
More than 16,000 policemen will be deployed to secure the three major sites of the three-day “prayer rallies” in Quezon City and Manila starting on Nov. 16, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said on Wednesday, Nov. 12.
NCRPO spokesperson Police Maj. Hazel Asilo said 8,541 of the policemen will come from Metro Manila while almost 8,000 are augmentation forces from nearby regions like Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) and Central Luzon.
“From November 16 to 18, we will be deploying 16,433 personnel. Aside from the Quirino Grandstand, there will also be a rally at the People Power Monument and at the EDSA Shrine. So INC (Iglesia Ni Cristo) will be at the Quirino Grandstand while the UPI (United Peoples Initiative) will be at the EDSA People Power Monument,” said Asilo in a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
Asilo said the number of police deployment will also cover other areas where lightning rallies are expected to be held.
During the Sept. 21 anti-corruption rally, the violent protest actions occurred at the Ayala Bridge and at Mendiola in Manila. The main rally sites during that time were Luneta and People Power Monument.
NCRPO director Maj. Gen. Anthony A. Aberin earlier ordered a comprehensive security preparation for the two rally sites to help ensure the safety of those who would attend.
The security measures, he said, will cover all the converging points and all the other areas where lightning rallies may be held.
Asilo said part of the preparation is the coordination with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to address traffic congestion along EDSA, especially near the People Power Monument and EDSA Shrine.
“We already have previous coordination with the MMDA. We will have announcements as to the rerouting and designated parking areas for those who would join,” said Asilo.
PNP spokesperson Police Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said inter-agency coordination meetings were conducted to ensure a well-organized deployment and seamless support for participants and the public.
“Our personnel will focus on crowd management, traffic coordination, and ensuring that the areas surrounding the venues remain safe. The public can rest assured that the PNP is on duty, looking after their security while respecting the sanctity of this religious gathering," said Tuaño.