Trillion Peso March peaceful, orderly; Nartatez commends ground cops
Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. monitors the Trillion Peso March activities at the PNP Command Center at Camp Crame in Quezon City. (photo: PNP)
All the anti-corruption protest actions in Metro Manila are generally peaceful, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Sunday night, Nov. 30, when the majority of the participants started to go home after the program, especially at the People Power Monument in Quezon City.
Acting PNP chief, Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. lauded all commanders and police personnel whom he said remained steadfast from their deployment as early as Saturday to the final clearing operations on Sunday night.
“I commend our ground commanders and personnel who remained steadfast throughout the day. You carried out their duties with professionalism and restraint. Your conduct reflects the values expected of the Philippine National Police,” said Nartatez who monitored the situation at the PNP Command Center at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
Police forces across the country were placed on alert starting Nov. 28 while more than 16,000 policemen were deployed to secure all the Trillion Peso March activities in Metro Manila.
The permit to carry firearms outside residence were also cancelled while police forces set up barricades to the roads leading to Malacañang.
Nartatez said the police hard work and sacrifices paid off as the majority of the assemblies held across Metro Manila and other parts of the country concluded peacefully.
“I extend my appreciation to the organizers, marshalls, and participants for exercising their rights with discipline and respect for public order. Your cooperation played a vital role in ensuring that today’s activities ended generally peacefully and without major incident,” he said.
While there were isolated attempts by a few individuals to disrupt the flow of the programs, Nartatez said these were immediately addressed by police quick response teams and prevented any escalation.
As the protesters begin to go home, he said police units have started shifting focus on securing major thoroughfares and ensuring that the returning crowd can travel home safely.
“The events today demonstrated that peaceful assemblies and effective law enforcement can go hand in hand. When rights are exercised responsibly and public safety is upheld, we strengthen our democratic institutions,” said Nartatez.
“Your Philippine National Police will continue to guard our communities with fairness, vigilance, and dedication, long after the crowds have dispersed,” he added.