Cops arrive in Manila to secure Martial Law anniversary crowds

A huge police contingent from the National Capital Region Police Office arrived early Friday morning at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila to ensure peaceful and orderly conduct of rallies on the 46th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law on Sept. 21, 1972.

Super Radyo dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported on Dobol B sa News TV that police personnel from the different NCRPO districts are expected to secure two big groups expected to conduct their activities in the streets of Manila this day.

Mga pulis na itatatalaga sa dalawang magkahiwalay na pagkilos ngayong anibersaryo ng batas militar, dumating na sa Rizal Park. | via Carlo Mateo pic.twitter.com/5nWfKE8VCG

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) September 21, 2018

Meanwhile, a report by Benjie Liwanag said that the entire Philippine National Police is also ready to secure the day's activities throughout the country.

Pambansang Pulisya, ikinasa na ang ipatutupad na seguridad sa kaliwa't kanang kilos-protesta ngayong araw. | via @Benjielite pic.twitter.com/7NT2EdNymi

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) September 21, 2018

In Manila, on the one hand, anti-Martial Law groups are expected to take to the streets their grievances and indignation against the "horrors" of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos'  iron rule, Carlo Mateo earlier reported.

On the other,  pro-administration groups are also expected to show their support for President Rodrigo Duterte's regime.

According to the report, the cops are only armed with anti-riot shields and rattan truncheons as they prepare to secure the expected mammoth crowds joining the day's events.

An advance command post, together with an incident command unit, has been set up at the Manila Hotel to respond to situations arising from the mass actions. 

Ambulances and medical teams have already been stationed at the right side of the Quirino Grandstand near the Manila Hotel.

Also, Mateo said that traffic on Roxas Boulevard began to build up early in the morning as some lanes on either side of the thoroughfare was closed early on to give way the setting up of the stage for the anti-Martial Law protesters.

Traffic flow slowed on either side of the boulevard from the corner of TM Kalaw Street to Burgos Street. —LBG, GMA News