Massive Police Deployment for Major Anti-Corruption Rally
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is mobilizing a significant force of 15,000 police personnel to secure the nationwide anti-corruption protests scheduled for November 30, 2025. The acting PNP chief, Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., announced this major security preparation on Friday, November 28, emphasizing that the move is geared towards ensuring peace, order, and the safety of all participants.
Security Strategy and Personnel Distribution
Nartatez clarified that the substantial deployment is a measure of readiness, not intimidation. He stated that the police expect large crowds in multiple key areas and that personnel must be prepared to respond swiftly to any emergencies or legal violations. The security contingent will be composed of 8,800 officers from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and an additional 6,200 from the Special Action Force (SAF) and various regional police offices.
The primary deployment sites will include:
- Luneta Park
- People Power Monument
- Edsa Shrine
- Vicinity of Malacañang Palace
- House of Representatives and Senate
- Independent Commission for Infrastructure in Taguig
Maximum Tolerance and Proactive Measures
Reassuring the public, the PNP chief affirmed that the principle of maximum tolerance will be strictly observed. "Let me be clear that law enforcement presence does not mean aggressive action. The order for maximum tolerance still remains," Nartatez emphasized. While no specific threats have been identified, the PNP is taking proactive steps to prevent any potential infiltration by groups seeking to cause unrest.
This caution is partly based on the September 21 rally in Manila, where some protesters attacked police officers and attempted to move towards Malacañan Palace. Nartatez indicated that intelligence monitoring is focused on potential agitators to prevent any hijacking of the protest's peaceful intentions.
Ensuring Transparency and Accountability
To bolster public trust, Nartatez has directed ground commanders to finalize security coordination with protest organizers and partner agencies. Key measures include the mandatory use of body-worn cameras during all police engagements and the deployment of human rights affairs officers across all activity areas.
"We want to convey to the public that the PNP is here to protect, not to hinder," the top cop said. "The deployment is to ensure everyone’s safety, whether they are protesters or not. We fully respect the people’s right to peaceful assembly." This massive security operation for the Trillion Peso March underscores the government's effort to balance the right to protest with overarching public safety concerns.
