AFP, PNP on alert for mass gatherings today

By Ronron
February 24, 2008

The Philippine military and police are on alert for today’s mass gatherings as the country marks the 22nd anniversary of the People Power 1 Revolution that ended the dictatorial rule of former President Ferdinand Marcos.

Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. said the military effective Sunday is on its highest alert level nationwide, while the national police is on the middle status, said its chief, Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr.

In Metro Manila, where several activities will take place, around 1,200 cops will be utilized to secure the rally venues, said National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Geary Barias.

Esperon said some 3,000 military troops will be on standby inside the AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City for possible deployment in case the NCRPO seeks augmentation.

Razon said the policemen in the nearby regions of Central Luzon and Southern Luzon will also be on “standby alert” in case there is a need to deploy them to Metro Manila.

Among the activities today are the People Power anniversary program at the People Power Monument in Quezon City, a mass at the EDSA Shrine in Mandaluyong City, an anti-Arroyo rally at Mendiola in Manila City, a pro-government rally at Liwasang Bonifacio also in Manila City, and a separate mass at the Baclaran Church in Paranaque City to be attended by former President Corazon Aquino and Rodolfo Lozada, Jr.

The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) said its provincial members and affiliates will also hold simultaneous protest actions in the following cities: Baguio, Calamba, Legaspi, Naga, Sorsogon, Daet, Masbate, Virac, Davao, Butuan, Surigao, Tandag, Bislig and Cagayan de Oro.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is not scheduled to attend the activities at the People Power Monument and EDSA Shrine, instead, she will attend a 10AM launching of AHON PINOY Program at Silangan Elementary School in Bagong Silang, Caloocan City, and the 1PM peace rally at the Capitol grounds in Trece Martires, Cavite.

Both Esperon and Razon said they have not received reports of serious threats to the activities today./DMS