NCRPO on full alert starting Saturday, 50K cops to secure Sept. 21 rally

The National Capital Region Police Office will be on full alert starting Saturday, September 20, to secure the conduct of the September 21 anti-corruption protest rally, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Friday.

In a statement, the PNP said this move was based on the instruction of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. 

“The PNP particularly in the NCR will be placed on FULL ALERT status starting 1:00 p.m. on September 20, 2025,” the police organization said.

“More than 50,000 police personnel nationwide have been deployed, with close coordination underway with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other government agencies to guarantee swift response and unified security operations,” it added.

Under full alert, the PNP said more cops will be available as absences or leaves will not be allowed among police personnel. The NCRPO will be fully deployed.

All Police Regional Offices and the Reactionary Standby Support Force (RSSF), on the other hand, are on heightened readiness for rapid deployment.

PNP acting chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said “this is a proactive measure to safeguard the right to peaceful assembly while preventing any attempt to disrupt public order.”

“Our priority is the safety of everyone—protesters, bystanders, and the community at large,” he added.

PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño urged rally organizers and participants to coordinate closely with local authorities and observe lawful conduct.

“The PNP stands ready, together with the AFP and partner agencies, to protect both freedom of expression and the peace of our communities,” he added.

According to the PNP, the organization is committed to uphold the Constitution, protect the public, and maintain a secure environment for all “lawful activities.”

Marcos has called for an investigation into anomalous flood control projects as many parts of the country have been submerged amid heavy rains in the past months.

The Senate and the House of Representatives have launched their respective investigations as some flood control projects were found to be ghost projects.

Several protests started to break out as the public called out the luxurious lifestyle of government contractors and officials involved—including their families—on social media. 

These numerous protests will lead to one big protest action on September 21.

The rally is split into two main venues in Luneta Park in Manila and People Power Monument in Quezon City. —AOL, GMA Integrated News