NCRPO now on full alert for September 21 protests

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) is now on full alert status as part of preparations for the planned protests on September 21, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Friday.

At a press briefing, PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Allen Rae Co said the alert level was raised earlier than initially announced, which was on Saturday.

“It was deemed appropriate after they had conducted their command conference or final coordinating conference na ngayon na po September 18 i-upgrade ang alert level po ng NCRPO,” he said.

(It was deemed appropriate after they had conducted their command conference or final coordinating conference that the alert level of the NCRPO should be raised now on September 18.)

Co said the decision was made to ensure they are better prepared to respond to any situation that may arise during the protests.

He pointed out that the change was not prompted by any unidentified threat. He said it was a decision by the NCRPO leadership that an earlier deployment was more appropriate.

The police have also conducted security walkthroughs in areas where protest activities are expected. The walkthroughs are intended to identify possible security concerns and allow authorities to prepare appropriate responses.

Police said road closures and other traffic measures may be implemented in areas where protests are expected to take place. The specific list of affected roads is still being finalized.

Co said the PNP crafted its security plan and deployment based on what happened during last year's September 21 activities.

Malacañang earlier called on groups planning to hold rallies on September 21 to keep their demonstrations peaceful and avoid violence.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said the government is preparing for possible developments during the protests marking the anniversary of the declaration of martial law.

“Hindi po ito hinahadlangan ng Pangulo ang kanilang pag-ga-gather, ang kanilang freedom of expression ay hindi po ito hahadlangan kailanman ng Pangulo,” Castro said in an interview on GMA News’ Unang Balita.

(The President is not preventing them from gathering. Their freedom of expression will never be prevented by the President.) — RSJ, GMA News