DILG vows to maintain public order during Nov. 30 Trillion Peso March

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Saturday said it is committed to maintain public order, together with the Philippine National Police (PNP), during the Trillion Peso March scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 30.

"The Department of the Interior and Local Government, together with the Philippine National Police, is fully prepared to ensure the safe and orderly conduct of the Trillion Peso March on November 30," the DILG said.

"Our commitment would always be simple and firm: protect every citizen, maintain public order, and ensure that this mass action proceeds safely," it added.

The DILG said the PNP "will deploy sufficient personnel across critical areas to manage crowds, respond to emergencies, and keep traffic moving."

In a statement, PNP acting chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Friday said the organization is set to deploy a stronger security contingent for the rallies, where 15,000 cops will be deployed.

“Let me be clear that law enforcement presence does not mean aggressive action. The order for maximum tolerance still remains,” he added.

In a separate statement on Saturday, Nartatez said the PNP's preparations include the strategic deployment of their personnel, stronger interagency coordination, positioning of resources across critical areas to manage traffic flow, emergency response and protection.

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Saturday said its 16,670 personnel are ready to be deployed to maintain peace and order during the November 30 anti-corruption rallies in Metro Manila.

Permits to carry firearms outside of residence (PTCFORs) will be suspended in Metro Manila from November 29 to December 1.

"Only law enforcement personnel performing official duties in proper uniform are allowed to carry firearms during this period," the DILG said.

"These measures are in line with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to guarantee public safety while upholding the constitutional right of Filipinos to peacefully assemble," it added.

Meanwhile, the DILG urged protesters "to exercise their rights responsibly, follow lawful instructions from authorities, and contribute to an orderly and secure event."

"This is an opportunity to show that our democracy works when freedom and responsibility go hand in hand," it said.

"Our mandate remains clear and that is to protect every life, respect every voice, and uphold the rule of law at all times," the DILG said.

'Rally fake news'

The NCRPO also released the following recommendations on how to avoid falling for "rally fake news."

• Verify information before believing or sharing information
• Beware of “alarming” posts without evidence
• Check dates and timestamps of shared photos and videos
• Do not comment or share unverified information
• Beware of edited videos and clips
• Thoroughly check the identity of the person disseminating the information
• Watch out for updates from official sources
• Avoid spreading rumors or personal interpretation as “news”
• Beware of images with no clear context
• Be calm and pleasant when disseminating information

The Trillion Peso March will be held at the EDSA People Power Monument. 

Around 120,000 individuals are expected to join, Trillion Peso March Movement spokesperson Francis "Kiko" Aquino Dee earlier said.

Meanwhile, the Kilusang Bayan Kontra Kurakot (KBKK) is organizing another rally at Luneta also on Nov. 30. 

Anti-corruption rallies are also scheduled to be held in other areas of the country on Sunday. —with Jiselle Anne Casucian/KG/VBL, GMA Integrated News