THE National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has mobilized a 15,746-strong security force across Metro Manila to maintain public order and safeguard peaceful assemblies during the upcoming 54th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law on September 21.
The comprehensive operational plan combines 9,746 regional personnel with 6,000 augmentation troops.
Security forces will be strategically deployed across key convergence zones, government buildings, transit corridors, and historical protest sites, including Mendiola, the EDSA Shrine, the People Power Monument, Liwasang Bonifacio, and the U.S. Embassy.
Police officials noted that the massive deployment addresses lessons learned from previous commemorations, where sudden crowd surges and localized blockades created severe traffic gridlock and security friction points.
Prepositioning personnel allows authorities to manage traffic flow, keep major thoroughfares open, and secure critical infrastructure while ensuring civic groups can exercise their constitutional rights to peaceful assembly.
Aligned with the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Five-Focused Agenda on major event management, the security posture integrates dynamic crowd management, proactive traffic rerouting, and real-time inter-agency coordination with local government units.
NCRPO Officer-in-Charge PBGen. Christopher N. Abrahano emphasized that all deployed officers are mandated to observe strict professional standards and human rights principles throughout the mobilizations.
“Our singular focus for September 21 is to keep the entire metropolis safe, orderly, and fully functioning,” Abrahano stated.
“Every officer on the ground is instructed to respect human rights, strictly adhere to Police Operational Procedures, and exercise maximum tolerance at all times. Security is not meant to stifle expression, but to protect it,” added Abrahano.
Abrahano also appealed to rally organizers, participants, and the general public to coordinate closely with local authorities, adhere to law and order, and ensure that all public gatherings remain peaceful and orderly throughout the commemoration.
