The Philippine National Police (PNP) has announced updated security arrangements for the upcoming anti-corruption rallies scheduled for November 30. With concerns rising over potential unrest, the police say they are tightening coordination and ramping up deployment across Metro Manila.
Under the revised plan, around 15,000 police officers will be deployed, with reinforcements expected from regional units to help manage crowd movements and maintain public safety. The PNP emphasised a three-pronged approach: (1) increase intelligence gathering to monitor groups that may instigate violence, (2) bolster physical barriers and surveillance coverage near key sites, and (3) coordinate closely with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and local government units (LGUs).
The decision comes in light of last year’s September 21 “Trillion Peso March,” which saw episodes of violence and arrests. The PNP stressed it is not intending to curb lawful protest, but to prevent a repeat of those incidents.
Protest organisers say they aim to demand accountability in government spending and infrastructure projects. The PNP asks participants to observe lawful procedures and assures the public that the planned measures are rooted in maintaining order rather than suppressing voices of dissent.