The additional policemen deployed and the barricades set up in key areas in Manila are meant for violent and unruly protesters, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Sunday, Nov. 30, as thousands of protesters are expected to converge at the People Power Monument in Quezon City and other areas to protest massive corruption in the government.

Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. said that while they trust the organizers and participants of the Trillion Peso March, they have to be alert against violent protesters similar to those who attacked policemen during the Sept. 21 protest in Manila.

“While we fully trust the organizers and participants of the Trillion Peso March, we are not discounting the possibility that some groups and individuals may take advantage of this assembly for their own agenda—similar to what happened on September 21 when while everything was peaceful and orderly in the activity sites, a group of rioters suddenly appeared and began attacking our personnel at the Ayala Bridge and in Mendiola,” said Nartatez.

“This is the reason behind the security adjustment, and we ask for your understanding,” he added.

Almost a hundred policemen were injured during the clashes as the protesters tried to attack Malacañang. Police already filed criminal charges against the protesters and several personalities who were believed to have encouraged and funded the riot.

Police appeared to have learned the lesson and started setting up barricades on the roads leading to Malacanang.

Metro Manila police chief Maj. Gen. Anthony A. Aberin said the barricade was meant to avoid unnecessary confrontation between the police and the protesters.

Nartatez, for his part, said deployment of additional policemen and the setting up of barricades are not intended for the peace-loving and law-abiding protesters.

“They are intended for the desperate few who do not only compromise the true intent and spirit of this assembly, but also disrespect the rule of law and undermine our democratic processes,” said Nartatez.

This early, Nartatez commended his men for their active involvement in yet another great task and challenge of securing this exercise of democracy involving a large number of participants.

He said all the security measures are in place to ensure the safety of everybody.

On the other hand, he said policemen on the ground were instructed to strictly observe maximum tolerance and to use appropriate force necessary, only as a last resort to protect themselves and enforce the law.

“As citizens of this great country, we share the same sentiments of the people who will go out today to join these assemblies,” said Nartatez.

“But above all, we are enforcers of the law and as such, we will stick to our mandate of respecting and protecting the right of every Filipino to assemble to demand for truth and accountability,” he added.