Article by:
Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday expressed readiness to secure the third part of the anti-corruption protest dubbed as Trillion Peso March, set later this month.
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has been tasked to ensure the deployment and mobilization of police personnel and assets for the planned protest action.
"We are now reviewing and updating our security plan for this event," PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said. "The goal is to ensure peace and order while respecting the rights of the people to assemble and freedom of speech."
The anti-corruption rally on Feb. 25 will be organized by Caritas Philippines along with other civil society organizations.
Organizers said activities leading up to the Trillion Peso March will run from Feb. 22 to 23.
Nartatez said he already tasked the NCRPO and other police commanders to meet and coordinate with the organizers to ensure the events are conducted safely and peacefully.
"We seek the cooperation of organizers and participants in working with us to ensure that the event will be peaceful and orderly from the start to end," he said, adding he expects the same level of security measures in the provinces where similar activities may be held.
Concert vs. corruption
Prior to the protest action, a concert will be held on Feb. 21 that will also have the fight against corruption as its centerpiece.
The event, dubbed People Power 40 Kick-Off Concert, will be held at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City, and will feature some of the country’s top performers, including Ogie Alcasid, Janno Gibbs, Rivermaya, Ice Seguerra, Ebe Dancel, Pio Balbuena, Morobeats, Elmo Magalona, Arkin Magalona, Chelsea Alley, and Over October.
Adding color to the celebration are “Unkabogable Star” Vice Ganda, stand-up comedians Alex Calleja and Red Ollero, Iza Calzado, Bea Binene, and DJ JhaiHo.
Through this event, the organizers —Mayors for Good Governance (M4GG) and Kaya Natin!— aim to reinforce that fighting corruption is a shared responsibility for all Filipinos.
The concert will be held in connection with the 40th anniversary of the People Power Revolution. Pre-show will begin at 4 p.m. while the main concert will start at 6 p.m. (With a report from Ferdinand Patinio/PNA)
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