Different anti-Duterte demonstrators gather at the Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila on Bonifacio Day, Nov. 30, 2017. PATHRICIA ANN ROXAS
The police said it was on alert for possible armed threats as various groups demonstrated in support or against President Rodrigo Duterte on Bonifacio Day.
“Ang tinitignan lang dito mga militante. Alam natin minsan gumagamit ng armado. We hope wala silang gawing masama,” said Director Oscar Albayalde, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief.
Albayalde said they had not monitored any threats as of Thursday afternoon.
“Walang threat,” the NCRPO director said, as he disclosed that 500 more policemen had been deployed in Manila to keep the peace.
“Sa ngayon yung augmentation from RPSB (Regional Public Safety Battalion) coming from MPD (Manila Police District) ay 500,” Albayalde said.
The official said they would not allow protesters to go near Mendiola bridge.
“Sinara na lang natin yung kalsada. Babantayan natin para hindi na pumunta sa Mendiola bridge,” he said.
While they have not monitored any threats, Albayalde said they would continue to be vigilant against security risks. /cbb