The large-scale anti-corruption demonstrations known as the "Trillion Peso March" concluded without major incident across the Negros Island Region, according to police authorities. A senior official from the Police Regional Office Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) confirmed the generally peaceful nature of the protest actions held on December 1, 2025.
Massive Police Deployment Ensures Safety
Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong, chief of the PRO-NIR Public Information Office, reported that a significant security force was mobilized to protect both participants and the public. A total of 869 personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP) were strategically deployed for the event.
The comprehensive security operation involved multiple specialized units to cover all aspects of the protest. The deployment included:
- Civil Disturbance Management teams
- Regional Support Services and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) units
- Traffic and LED Marshals
- Area Security and Mobile Area Security teams
- Covert and Route Security personnel for vehicles and motorcycles
- Perimeter Security, along with negotiators and investigators
Malong emphasized that their efforts were fully coordinated with partner agencies like the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices. This inter-agency collaboration was credited for the smooth and secure conduct of activities in all monitored locations.
Peaceful Assemblies in Bacolod and Dumaguete
In Bacolod City, the protest saw two separate groups holding assemblies before merging at the Bacolod City Public Plaza. Based on monitoring by the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), one group from Lupit Church began at 11:50 a.m., departed at 1:15 p.m., and arrived at the plaza by 1:48 p.m.
A second assembly at the Capitol Lagoon started at noon, left at 1:12 p.m., and reached the convergence point at 1:51 p.m. The combined program at the plaza concluded at 4:29 p.m. Malong stated that approximately 1,300 individuals participated in this assembly, and all rallyists dispersed peacefully without any untoward incidents.
Meanwhile, in Negros Oriental, the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office monitored another peaceful gathering. This rally took place along Pantawan Boulevard in Dumaguete City from 3:29 p.m. to 5:39 p.m., with an estimated 70 participants. No significant incidents were recorded during this event either.
Officials Commend Coordination and Community
PRO-NIR assessed the overall situation as generally peaceful, attributing the success to effective and well-coordinated security coverage. Malong highlighted that the management of the protest activities showcased strong collaboration between law enforcement, partner agencies, and the community.
Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay, the PRO-NIR director, praised all PNP personnel for their professionalism and diligence during the security operations. He also expressed gratitude to the rally organizers, participants, and the wider community for responsibly adhering to the established safety and security protocols.
General Ibay stressed that the peaceful outcome underscores a shared commitment from both law enforcement and the public to ensuring orderly civic engagement. PRO-NIR reaffirmed its dedication to upholding the constitutional right to peaceful assembly while simultaneously maintaining public order and safety throughout the region.
