By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Philippine National Police–National Capital Region Police Office (PNP-NCRPO) will deploy 9,553 police officers across Metro Manila on Sunday, June 28, to secure the White Ribbon March, a mass gathering organized by religious and civil society groups advocating government accountability and political reforms.
Police officials stressed that the heightened security is purely preventive.
“There is no threat. This is our proactive deployment,” NCRPO spokesperson Maj. Hazel Asilo said in a text message to reporters.
The White Ribbon March is scheduled to culminate at the EDSA People Power Monument, where participants are expected to call for stronger anti-corruption measures, the passage of a genuine anti-political dynasty law, and reforms to the country’s electoral system.
According to march convenor Bishop Efraim Tendero, the gathering seeks to encourage transparency in government and ensure that erring public officials are held accountable.
Earlier, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered the NCRPO to conduct comprehensive security assessments around the People Power Monument and nearby critical infrastructure ahead of the weekend event.
Authorities assured the public that the extensive police deployment is intended to guarantee a peaceful, orderly, and secure rally while minimizing disruptions to commuters and motorists throughout the metropolis.
ia/xf
