A total of 2,500 cops will be deployed to secure the 34th anniversary of the EDSA People Power 1 on Tuesday, said National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief, Maj. Gen. Debold Sina.
Sinas said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will deploy 251 personnel while 648 men from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will be mobilized for traffic management.
“Yes, we are ready ang ginawa ng atin harmonize ang deployment… bukas ready kami [Yes, we are ready, what we do is to harmonize the deployment. Tomorrow we are ready],” Sinas said in a media briefing at Camp Karingal in Quezon City.
Sinas said the policemen are ready to hold dialogues with the protesters to prevent altercation among the pro- and anti-government rallyists.
He maintained that protesters should secure permit from authorities even as he assured that contingency plans are in place for any violence that may arise.
Sinas said no Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) would be deployed as the rallyists would be allowed to express their sentiments.
He said police has not monitored any imminent threat but cops will be on full alert status starting at 4 a.m. on Tuesday.
Police have identified four areas of concern where rally activities could be expected to occur. The areas include the National Housing Authority, the Philippine Coconut Authority, ABS-CBN compound, and Welcome Rotonda.
Aside from protest activities, there will be a regular program for the celebration of the 34th anniversary of the Edsa People Power Revolution, which will occur from around 7 a.m. until 10 a.m.
According to MMDA head of traffic Bong Nebrija, the motorists should expect traffic build-up near the People Power Monument in EDSA once the program starts. (PNA)
