PNP Assures Security in EDSA 29th Anniversary Celebration

Manila (PNA) -– With thousands expected to flock including government officials in the 29th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution on Wednesday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday said preparations are in place to ensure security and peace and order during the entire event.

PNP Public Information Officer, Chief Supt. Generoso Cerbo Jr. said that the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) remains on heightened alert to ensure security for those who will be present in the People Power Anniversary against abusive and lawless elements. The heightened alert started since before the Valentine’s day to acknowledge the sobriety of the special dates.

“Politicians, business leaders, famous personalities, non-government organizations, church leaders and other people from different sectors in our society are expected to attend the event. Our celebration tomorrow (Wednesday) will more or less reflect what happened in 1986. The official celebration will end after the mass,” Cerbo said.

Cerbo said they will be allowing group/s to conduct a rally if they have permit.

“We are respecting the sentiments of our fellow Filipinos, in the name of freedom of speech. We will not be proscribing them as long as they will be doing it in freedom parks. If they will rally on private places, they need to have permits. If they will do it in public places like in roads, we are also requiring them to get permits from local government units (LGUs),” Cerbo told the reporters during the press briefing held in Camp Crame.

”PNP is ready and we are no stranger in these kinds of activities since we are doing it every year. The expertise is in the concerned units like NCRPO. We also have the template if how we are going to succesfully do it. We are just adjusting based on the needs of the situation. The PNP and NCRPO know how to handle it. Be assured that security will be guaranteed,” he explained.

For his part, NCRPO Chief Police Director Carmelo Valmoria declined to give the exact number of the cops who will be assigned to secure the event for operational matters.

“We will observe maximum tolerance and ensure the successful celebration on the 29th EDSA anniversary celebration,” Valmoria told the Philippines News Agency (PNA).

Cerbo also said that the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will a be responsible in maintaining smooth traffic and in doing other preparations to guarantee the successful conduct of the People Power Anniversary.

Cerbo said the PNP and AFP would also conduct a unity march to the People Power Monument before the mass with President Benigno S. Aquino III.

He said the unity march will start 10 a.m. and that will start from Camp Crame and Camp Aguinaldo towards the People Power Monument.

He said the unity walk is an annual and symbolic event which highlights the unity of the armed services of the PNP and AFP.

“With respect to the Mamasapano incident, this year’s PNP-AFP unity march will be considered relevant and symbolic. It shows that despite the issues in the Mamasapano incident, we still show that, in the name of public service, the PNP and AFP still remain united to render great service and to ensure security in the country,” Cerbo said. (PNA) LAM/CLTC/ABTAGNIPEZ AND MCVNORIEGA-OJTS