By Charmaine Odong
CALAMBA CITY, Laguna – The Police Regional Office Region IV-A (PRO4A) has deployed more than 3,000 police officers across the Calabarzon region to ensure public safety and maintain peace and order in areas of convergence for the Sept. 21 protest rallies.
Brigadier General Paul Kenneth Lucas, PNP Calabarzon Director, directed police chiefs in provinces, cities and towns to provide public safety services in all areas where anti-corruption protests will be held.
“Ang pangunahing tungkulin namin ay ang tiyakin ang kaligtasan ng publiko. Habang pinahihintulutan at pinangangalagaan namin ang mapayapang pagsasagawa ng kilos-protesta, hindi namin palalagpasin ang anumang uri ng karahasan, paninira ng ari-arian, o anumang uri ng paglabag sa batas,” Lucas said on his official statement posted on Facebook.
Meanwhile, police personnel have conducted checkpoint operations, mobile patrols, and police visibility in areas where protests rallies will be held.
Lucas reminded the PNP to respect the peoples’ rights to free speech and peaceful assemblies during the conduct of rallies. He assured the presence of police officers for the public and commuters in need of assistance.
The Calabarzon police assured security protocols and preparations in line with the guidance of PNP Chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., to ensure the public safety of protesters participating in the demonstrations.
“Our security and preparations are in line with the directive of our Chief PNP. PRO Calabarzon is ready to ensure the safety and peace of those joining the protest. We respect the fundamental right of every citizen to freedom of expression and to peacefully assemble and petition the government for the redress of grievances,” the Calabarzon Regional Public Information Office (RPIO) stated.
According to RPIO Chief, Police Lieutenant Colonel Milany Martirez, they are closely monitoring the entire region, especially various schools and institutions that will join the protests in Metro Manila.
“Our paramount duty is to safeguard public safety. While we facilitate the peaceful conduct of the protest, we will not tolerate any acts of violence, destruction of property, or any form of lawlessness. Any such actions will be met with a firm and decisive response in accordance with the law,” Martirez said.
More than 50,000 police personnel nationwide have already been deployed in close coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other government agencies to guarantee swift response and unified security operations.
PNP Spokesperson Police Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño has also recently stated that the PNP stands ready, along with other partner agencies to protect both freedom of expression and the peace of our communities.
