MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) pledged to observe maximum tolerance as groups assemble on Monday, September 21, though authorities cautioned that violent acts, assaults on personnel, or property destruction will trigger immediate police intervention.
A security force exceeding 17,000 police officers will be fielded across key areas as demonstrators gather to mark the 54th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law alongside the anniversary of the Trillion Peso March.
PNP Chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. noted that security forces have been instructed to uphold the public’s constitutional rights to free speech and peaceful gathering.
However, he emphasized that these constitutional protections do not cover acts that endanger public safety, infringe on the rights of others, or vandalize property.
“What is protected by the law is the right to peaceful assembly, it does not include destroying government and public properties, and it does not include assaulting policemen,” Nartatez said in a statement.
“Police and legal actions will always be the last resort because the priority has always been to respect the people’s rights to freedom of expression and assembly,” he added.
Security forces in the capital region are fully prepared for the scheduled rallies, according to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).
NCRPO officer-in-charge PBGen. Christopher Abrahano confirmed that regional units have maintained a full-alert status since September 19, with police assets positioned throughout Metro Manila.
Abrahano stated that the regional security framework was refined following incidents during the previous year’s September 21 protests. The updated plan emphasizes the protection of key infrastructure while ensuring the safety of rally participants and the general public.
He referred to the heightened deployment strategy as “credible deterrence through overmatch,” designed to discourage agitation and maintain civil stability.
“We are not preventing them from exercising their constitutional right to express their views and advocate for their causes. We respect this right. Our responsibility is to maintain public order and public safety, protect the protesters and our fellow citizens, and prevent violence,” Abrahano said in a separate statement.
Field commanders were directed to exercise strict restraint when engaging with marchers and bystanders. Personnel were further tasked with shielding participants, onlookers, and neighboring districts from potential security threats.
Police units have been instructed to emphasize de-escalation and maintain continuous communication with rally organizers to prevent clashes. Demonstrations will be permitted in designated areas, though laws and local ordinances will be strictly enforced in non-permitted zones.
To ensure accountability, officers will wear body-worn cameras throughout the operation, with units required to maintain open channels to report incidents in real time.
Abrahano also urged marchers to show consideration for non-participating citizens and commuters.
“Our objective is to ensure peaceful dialogue and peaceful expression. However, if there are attempts to commit violence or violate the law, the NCRPO is prepared to act in accordance with the law,” he said.