NCRPO: Over 16,400 cops to be deployed for INC rally

More than 16,400 cops will be deployed to secure the three-day rally of Iglesia ni Cristo at Quirino Grandstand in Manila from November 16 to 18, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said Wednesday.

“NCR will be deploying 16,433 personnel,” NCRPO public information office chief Police Major Hazel Asilo said at a press briefing.

“Of which, 8,641 po yung manggagaling ng NCRPO and 7,792 yung manggagaling from augmentation from other regional offices,” she added.

(Of which, 8,641 are from the NCRPO and 7,792 are from augmentation from other regional offices.)

Meanwhile, the NCRPO said it is also preparing for the possible gatherings of the United People’s Initiative (UPI) at the EDSA Shrine and People Power Monument in Quezon City during the same period.

Asilo pointed out that more cops have been designated because the police are also preparing for more lightning rallies in other areas such as Mendiola Peace Arc, United States Embassy in Manila, among others.

To manage the traffic, Asilo said a rerouting scheme and parking areas will be set up in coordination with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). 

Alleged destabilization plot

Asked if there were adjustments made in the security plans considering claims of alleged destabilization plot against the administration, Asilo said:

“Magkakaroon pa kami ng final coordination this Friday so malamang kung ano man yung mga announcements na lalabas pa or other mga information na makukuha natin is doon magdedepende yung final naming deployment.”

(We will have final coordination this Friday so it is likely that our final deployment will depend on the announcements and information that will come out.)

“So itong 16,433 either madadagdagan or mababawasan depende sa mga information na makukuha ng NCRPO.”

(So this 16,433 will either be increased or decreased depending on the information the NCRPO gets.) — RSJ, GMA Integrated News