Philippine National Police (PNP) officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Thursday said security plans have been laid out for the scheduled demonstrations of various groups in the country on Friday.
In a chance interview at the official launch of the 911 National Command Center, Nartatez said they are prepared to implement crowd management and dispersal plans to ensure the safety and security of Filipinos, who will participate in the so-called ‘Black Friday’ protests.
“We have security plans that have been set and… continuously we are monitoring the peace and order and safety in Metro Manila,” the acting PNP chief added.
Nartatez also assured that demonstrations similar to what was happening in Indonesia and Nepal will not happen in the country. “We are preparing for that,” he said.
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said it has deployed a civil disturbance management team to help ensure peace and order during the mass gatherings. Earlier this week, it said its 2,250-strong police force would be ready for deployment to provide security.
In a text message to Manila Standard, NCRPO Regional Public Information Officer Maj. Hazel Asilo said they have mobilized 60 personnel on the ground for crowd control.
“Our police units are on full alert and ready to protect both demonstrators and the general public… We appeal to all participants to conduct their activities with discipline and respect for the law,” the NCRPO said in a statement.
In a separate message, Brig. Gen. Aden Lagradante of the Eastern Police District (EPD) said he ordered 50 of his personnel to augment security forces in the area.
“We provided 50 support personnel both covert and overt,” he said.
Quezon City Police District chief,Col. Randy Glenn Silvio also confirmed he deployed additional 50 personnel for the event.
