PNP deploying 4,000 for Martial Law anniversary protests

At least 4,000 police forces will be deployed for the protests on Friday, September 21, which marks the 46th year since former President Ferdinand Marcos' declaration of Martial Law, with another 1,500 from the Philippine National Police on standby as an augmentation force.

In a report by Jun Veneracion on 24 Oras on Thursday, NCRPO Chief Guillermo Eleazar said there is no threat but the police just want to ensure that no untoward incident would happen.

“We are in constant coordination with concerned agencies. Lalo na sa intelligence community para sa monitoring. Ang Armed Forced at PNP leadership ay nakatutok dito,” Eleazar said.

"Meron tayong physical barrier naman doon at mga pulis natin na papagitna para maiwasan ang anumang hidwaan,” Eleazar added.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque downplayed the planned protests of groups against the Duterte administration whom they have likened to former President Marcos' martial law regime which was marred by human rights violations.

"It's not anything that the state cant deal with. Dream on to those who want to remove the President,” Roque said.

Those against the Duterte administration will convene in Luneta Park, while those pro-administration gathering will be held in the nearby Quirino grandstand.

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada has already suspended classes in Manila due to the scheduled protest.

Likewise, the roads near the protest venues will be closed. —Llanesca T. Panti/JST, GMA News