The Philippine National Police (PNP) assured the public that its deployment of more than 15,000 officers for Sunday’s second Trillion Peso March aims to safeguard demonstrators—not intimidate them.
Police will secure the People Power Monument, where organizers have a rally permit from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., alongside key government areas including Malacañang, the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).
Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the deployment reflects the police force’s preparedness for large, multi-site events. He emphasized that the visible police presence should not be seen as aggressive, noting that the directive for maximum tolerance remains.
The PNP earlier projected up to 300,000 attendees but has not clarified how the estimate was determined.
Nartatez also said authorities are watching for attempts by groups to infiltrate the protest and incite disorder, referencing the September 21 Manila rally where more than 200 people—two of them minors—were arrested. Two deaths were reported following the unrest, prompting criticism from human rights groups.
As corruption allegations continue to drive public mobilization, Nartatez reiterated the PNP’s stance: maximum tolerance for peaceful protesters and zero tolerance for violence.