THE National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has announced it is 100 percent prepared to maintain peace and order across Metro Manila as various groups gather for protest actions today, September 21, 2026.
Police forces have been placed on full alert status since September 19, with a comprehensive deployment implemented across key areas in the capital region.
NCRPO Officer-in-Charge Police Brigadier General Christopher Abrahano stated that operational plans were adjusted using lessons learned from disturbances during last year’s September 21 demonstrations.
The heightened police presence is intended to create a “credible deterrence through overmatch” to prevent attempts to incite violence or disrupt public order.
The deployment follows directives from Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla and Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., focusing on the protection of vital installations, the general public, and the rally participants themselves.
“We are not preventing them from exercising their constitutional right to express their views and advocate for their causes. We respect this right,” Abrahano said. “Our responsibility is to maintain public order and public safety, protect the protesters and our fellow citizens, and prevent violence.”
Deployed personnel have been instructed to exercise maximum tolerance, maintain strict discipline, and use dialogue with protest leaders as the primary tool to prevent confrontations.
According to NCRPO guidelines, peaceful assemblies will be permitted in legally designated areas, while regulations will be strictly enforced in restricted locations.
Officers operating on the ground have also been directed to use body-worn cameras to ensure transparency during security operations and maintain constant communication with command units.
Abrahano called on demonstration leaders and participants to respect the rights of non-protesting citizens and keep the gatherings peaceful, while emphasizing that law enforcement remains ready to respond if laws are broken.
“Handa ang NCRPO na protektahan ang karapatan ng ating mga kababayan habang tinitiyak ang peace and order,” Abrahano added.
“Our message this September 21: let us express our views peacefully, respect one another, and help keep Metro Manila safe,” Abrahano concluded.
