PNP assures safety of protesters

Personnel based at the PNP headquartes in Camp Crame will compose the Ready Reserve Unit that will augment the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO). (PNA Photo)

MANILA— The Philippine National Police (PNP) assured the safety of all protesters who will join the “National Day of Protest”.

This was emphasized by PNP spokesperson, Chief Supt. Dionardo Carlos, in a statement Thursday.

“The PNP will be working today (Thursday) to assist the protesters and help ensure a safe and orderly conduct of the rallies/mass actions,” Carlos said.

The rallyists are expected to converge at Quirino Grandstand, People Power Monument, Quezon City Memorial Circle, Mendiola, Plaza Miranda.

US embassy and other diplomatic mission centers are “No Rally Zones” and are non-negotiable.

However, Carlos appealed to organizers and participants of various protest actions to police their own ranks to avoid infiltration of saboteurs and refrain from bringing firearms in the rally, occupying roads/streets so as not to inconvenience the public; and committing crime or violating any law.

Carlos added that PNP Chief Police Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa ordered the activation of the police’s full alert status on Wednesday.

He directed the PNP to implement maximum tolerance towards the protesters.

Personnel based at the PNP headquartes in Camp Crame will compose the Ready Reserve Unit that will augment the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).

The NCRPO, meanwhile, has activated Task Force Manila Shield to ensure safe and orderly conduct of mass action and protest rallies in the metropolis.

All other police regional offices (PRO0 were directed to implement their respective security and traffic plans.

The PNP, he said, is urging the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious persons and/or activities that may disrupt the peaceful conduct of protests nationwide thru PNPTXT 2920, Emergency hotline 911, Itaga Mo Sa Bato text hotline 2286 and I-Report Mo Kay Tsip ‎09188475757.