‘Task Group Edsa’ activated, Metro Manila cops on full alert
The National Capital Region Police Office has placed all its units on highest alert for the 30th anniversary of the Edsa People Power Revolution.
Chief Inspector Kimberly Molitas, NCRPO spokesperson, said in a press briefing on Wednesday that “Task Group Edsa People Power” composed of the five police districts in Metro Manila has been activated. The NCRPO will be on full alert until February 26, Friday.
The Quezon City Police District, Eastern Police District and Southern Police District will focus on the event that is expected to draw more than 10,000 people, said Molitas.
When a police unit is on full alert, all leaves of police personnel are cancelled as its entire force are required to report on duty.
“We have our troops on the ground ready for any eventuality. We have our civil disturbance management groups na nakahanda rin po sa kahit ano pong pangyayari sa celebration ng (that are also ready for any eventuality during the celebration of the) Edsa People Power,” she said.
The traditional reenactment of the “salubungan” of soliders and ordinary citizens during the 1986 revolution will be held at the People Power monument along Edsa-White Plains Avenue to the Edsa Shrine.
President Aquino will lead the flag-raising ceremony and the commemoration program in which the children of Edsa heroes and youth leaders will join.
Besides Aquino and the groups, diplomats and dignitaries have also expressed their intention to join the celebration.
Molitas said the northbound lane of Edsa Santolan to Shaw Boulevard will be closed from 12 midnight until 1 p.m.
READ: MMDA issues traffic advisory to motorists for EDSA rites
Cooperate with police
The NCRPO will put up an advance command post and police assistance desks in the areas near the venue.
Molitas asked those who will be joining the celebration to cooperate with the security when their bags or package are being inspected.
If they observe a suspicious person or package, the police is urging the public to immediately report it to the authorities.
No permit for protesters
As of Wednesday morning, the spokesperson said the NCRPO has not issued yet a rally permit to groups who will assemble in Quezon City, Mandaluyong and Pasig City.
She stressed: “No permit, no rally but alam na po nating lahat na meron tayong mga freedom parks na kung saan pwedeng mag-assemble ang mga gustong magpahayag ng kanilang hinaing.”
(No permit, no rally, but we all know that we have freedom parks where those who want to express their grievances may assemble.)
But the police maintained that it would exercise maximum tolerance in handling protesters.
“Huwag lang sila manakit hindi natin sila ididisperse. Huwag po manakit at huwag po maging sagabal. Meron po tayong traffic management. Meron po tayong activities na gagawin tomorrow,” Molitas reminded the protesters.
(We won’t disperse them as long as they won’t hurt anyone. Don’t be violent and don’t be obtrusive. We have traffic management. We have activities to carry out.) CDG
READ: New PAF fighter jets to grace Edsa celebration
