Calabarzon cops on full alert for martial law protests

LUCENA CITY — The Philippine National Police in Calabarzon has placed its entire force on full alert as multisectoral groups prepare to hold protest activities across the region on Monday to mark the 54th anniversary of the declaration of martial law.

The Calabarzon police said the heightened alert status was intended to ensure preparedness and a prompt response to any situation that may arise during the commemoration.

Multisectoral organizations led by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan are expected to hold simultaneous protests across Calabarzon and other parts of Southern Tagalog.

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READ: Malacanang lockdown: Sept. 21 amid massive martial law rallies

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Bayan said the demonstrations would highlight what it described as worsening conditions under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., drawing comparisons with the martial law period under his father, the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

Law enforcers will be stationed at strategic locations and major thoroughfares to maintain public safety and security and facilitate traffic flow.

Brig. Gen. Dominic Baccay, Calabarzon police director, said citizens’ right to express their views, including the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression would be fully respected by the police. 

“Although we respect the right of our fellow citizens to express their views, we appeal to everyone to conduct their activities in an orderly and peaceful manner for the safety of all, including the participants, the community, and our police personnel,” Baccay said. 

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Rally participants were also advised to comply with existing laws, local ordinances and safety regulations.

The Calabarzon police also deployed a total of 6,731 law enforcers, including 2,000 Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) personnel, to provide additional support to the National Capital Region Police Office in maintaining peace and order during protest activities in Metro Manila. /dp