PNP deploys 2,000 personnel to secure Edsa celebration
The Philippine National Police (PNP) will deploy nearly 2,000 of its personnel, 300 of whom will actually take part in Sunday’s celebration of the 32nd anniversary of the Edsa people power revolution.
PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. John Bulalacao said that no group would be allowed to hold mass actions that would disrupt the celebration.
At a press briefing on Friday Bulalacao said that 1,850 police personnel, mostly from the National Capital Region Police Office, would provide security, traffic management, as well as emergency preparedness and response services for Sunday’s activities.
The PNP spokesperson pointed out that 300 of the police contingent would participate in the reenactment of the “salubungan,” the 1986 event when government troops joined forces with peaceful protesters on Edsa to topple the Marcos dictatorship.
Not allowed
Bulalacao pointed out that while several groups have sought permits from the Quezon City government to conduct mass demonstrations, those approved were scheduled to be held before or after the Edsa celebration at the People Power Monument.
He noted that mass demonstrations that would coincide with the Edsa anniversary activities were disapproved.
“There was no group allowed to hold a rally during the celebration because it will surely stir up trouble,” the PNP spokesperson explained.
“Our CDM (civil disturbance management) contingents, security forces, will be ready to face them (protesters) in case they will insist on disturbing the celebration,” said Bulalacao, who also assured that maximum tolerance would be observed by PNP personnel.
He pointed out that the PNP personnel deployed to secure the Edsa anniversary celebration would make sure the activities would not be disrupted.
“We know how rallyists bring what they want to bring just to get attention. Accordingly, they will be checked,” the PNP spokesperson said, apparently referring to banners and streamers with antigovernment sentiments that protesters might unfurl during the celebration.
