The Philippine National Police (PNP) will downgrade its security status to heightened alert after what it described as peaceful and orderly conduct of anti-corruption protests on Sunday, Nov. 30.

Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. said they will first hold an assessment before downgrading the alert status from full to heightened, “We will give a time, will have a briefing and then we will be downgrading our status.”

Police forces across the country were placed under highest security alert status on Friday afternoon, Nov. 28, for the Trillion Peso March on Sunday. The protest actions were declared peaceful later.

Nartatez said the successful implementation of the security measures was a product of strong cooperation between rally organizers, participants, and law enforcers.

“This is something that cannot be attributed to the PNP preparations alone. Everybody did their share, including the rally organizers, participants and other government agencies, to ensure the safety of all, and we express our sincere gratitude to all of them,” said Nartatez.

He emphasized that no security threats were reported by police units nationwide, noting that officers on the ground successfully kept order in all areas where demonstrations were held.

Based on consolidated field reports, at least 90,000 individuals participated in 119 protest actions nationwide. The largest turnout of the crowd was recorded in the National Capital Region with over 16,000 participants, particularly along White Plains Avenue, the EDSA Shrine, Liwasang Bonifacio, San Sebastian, Luneta, and other key points.

Field units documented 12 major rallies in Metro Manila including the 1,500-strong gathering at the People Power Monument; 3,000 participants along San Sebastian and Recto; 700 along EDSA-Connecticut; and, additional mobilizations ranging from a few dozen to several hundred attendees.

Police deployment was scaled accordingly, with figures such as 1,117 PNP personnel at White Plains; 953 at San Sebastian; 651 at the EDSA Shrine; 426 at Luneta; and, over 400 in various points of Quiapo, Manila, and Ortigas.

Some protests also involved other support agencies, including 407 personnel at the People Power Monument.

Nartatez commended ground commanders and personnel for their hard work and sacrifices throughout the day, “From their deployment as early as Saturday to the final clearing operations, our units carried out their duties with professionalism and restraint. Your conduct reflects the values expected of the Philippine National Police.”

While there were isolated attempts by a few individuals to disrupt the flow of the programs, he said all of them were immediately addressed by police quick response teams,

He said the Nov. 30 activities 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.”