PNP boosts deployment for EDSA 40th anniv to nearly 15,000

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday increased its deployment of security personnel to 14,900 as authorities stand guard for possible agitators at activities in Metro Manila commemorating the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power revolt. 

PNP Directorate for Operations chief Police Brigadier General Ponce Rogelio Peñones said these cops have been deployed across key areas like White Plains and People Power Monument in Quezon City.

"Actually ang nai-deploy natin personnel is 14,900 although we are expecting na 'yung based doon sa mga natanggap nating impormasyon na kung saan 'yung mga dadalo sa lahat ng aktibidades na ito ay aabutin ng more or less 40,000," he told reporters in an interview.

(Actually, the personnel we have deployed is 14,900 although we are expecting that based on the information we have received, the number of participants in all these activities will reach more or less 40,000.)

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) earlier announced it will be on full alert beginning February 21 in preparation for the EDSA People Power anniversary and Trillion Peso March protests.

It had reported an initial deployment of 10,000 personnel, focused on securing the Trillion Peso March activity in Quezon City organized by civic groups.

Over the weekend, the NCRPO said the manpower to secure February 25 protests has been hiked to 14,000.

Meanwhile, some police personnel have also been stationed in Mendiola and other potential convergence points to ensure order throughout the day.

Based on information received by authorities, Peñones said the total number of expected participants across all activities could reach around 40,000.

Despite the large expected turnout, the PNP said it has not received any specific threat information.

"Ganu'n pa rin, wala naman tayo natatanggap na mga threats. We are expecting na tuloy-tuloy hanggang maidaos nang maayos, matiwasay, at tahimik yung activity for the day," Peñones said.

(Still, we have not received any threats. We are expecting that the activity for the day will continue until it ends properly, peacefully, and quietly.)

Authorities are closely monitoring groups that may attempt to instigate trouble, according to the PNP official.

"Ang binabantayan lang natin dito 'yung mga grupo nag-a-agitate para magkaroon ng kaguluhan. So ito 'yung focus ng ating deployment na to see to it na hindi sila makagawa ng kahit anumang karahasan at mag-agitate doon sa ibang mga kasama," he said.

(What we are only monitoring here are the groups that are agitating to create chaos. So this is the focus of our deployment, to see to it that they do not commit any violence and agitate against other participants.)

Peñones said a vehicle by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) was on standby, in case needed. However, Peñones said, maximum tolerance with the protesters will be observed.

Protesters without permits will not be automatically dispersed as long as their activities are peaceful, he added. — VDV, GMA Integrated News