DND chief Teodoro anticipates peaceful Nov. 30 rallies despite threats

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Friday said he expects the massive anti-corruption protests scheduled for November 30 will be peaceful, despite alleged threats being monitored. 

“Lagi naman merong mga threats pero inaasahan natin maging matahimik,” Teodoro said in an ambush interview at the Senate. 

(There are always threats, but we expect the rallies to be peaceful.)

Asked how serious the threats are, he said, “Sinesersyo namin lahat ng threats ano (we are taking all the threats seriously). Pero (but) I guess, we look forward really to a peaceful November 30.”

Teodoro said that he could not anticipate the possible worst-case scenario for the upcoming rallies on Sunday, but assured that authorities are preparing for any eventuality. 

“Sa amin naman, on worst case scenario, sa [Office of Civil Defense] level ‘yun eh, hindi [Armed Forces of the Philippines] level. [Philippine National Police] issue ‘yung peace and order. Sa amin, sa OCD level, naka-prepare lahat ng mga ambulansya, emergency services for any contingency, not necessarily a violent one, but you know, health concerns or whatever,” he added. 

(As for the worst-case scenario, that's at the OCD level, not the AFP level. The PNP, meanwhile, is in charge of peace and order. At the OCD, we have prepared all ambulances and emergency services for any contingency, not necessarily a violent one, but possibly health concerns or whatever.) 

The PNP earlier said it is set to deploy a stronger security contingent for the rallies, where 15,000 cops will be deployed to the following locations:

•  Luneta Park
• People Power Monument
• EDSA Shrine
• sites around Malacañang
• House of Representatives
• Senate
• Independent Commission for Infrastructure

–NB, GMA Integrated News