PNP improving security measures to avoid riot in November 30 protest

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said it is enhancing its security template for the November 30 protest to avoid a repeat of the riot that marred the September 21 rally in Manila.

“By November or set rally in the coming months, the PNP is ready,” PNP acting chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said at a press briefing when asked for security measures to avoid similar violence in the upcoming protest.

“We are rationalizing, improving our template in this time of activity to secure. We're gonna employ, use our resources at tutulungan natin ang ating mga unit,” he added.

(We are rationalizing and improving our template in this time of activity to secure. We're gonna employ and use our resources and help our units.)

Trouble started in the Manila protest when unidentified young men lit several tires on fire in front a shipping container that authorities were using as an obstacle.

Bottle, paint, rocks were thrown at the cops who were forced to use their riot shields to protect themselves from the flying debris.

The protest stemmed from the issues of corruption in the government’s flood control project.

Hundreds of individuals were arrested during the violent incident in Manila.

According to the Department of Health, a man passed away due to stabbing after the rally. 

On September 24, it was reported that a 52-year-old watch technician surrendered to the Manila authorities over the fatal stabbing of the 15-year-old victim.

The suspect said he tried to protect his property when a group of minors allegedly tried to vandalize establishments near the intersection of C.M. Recto Avenue and Quezon Boulevard.

“Nabigla lang ako, hindi ko sadya (I was shocked, I did not mean to do it),” he said. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News