PNP goes on full alert status

Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa has ordered the police organization to be on full alert status as it prepares for the rallies in connection with the 45th anniversary of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos' declaration of martial law.

On Thursday, PNP spokesperson Chief Superintendent Dionardo Carlos said the full alert status had been in effect since 5 p.m. Wednesday in consideration of the protesters and help ensure the safe and orderly conduct of their rallies/mass actions.

"Camp Crame-based personnel will compose the Ready Reserve Unit that will augment the National Capital Region Police Office (which) activated Task Force Manila Shield to ensure the safe and orderly conduct of mass action and protest rallies in NCR," he said.

Meanwhile, other regional police offices are directed to implement their respective security and traffic plans.

Carlos said the PNP chief directed all deployed personnel to exercise maximum tolerance in dealing with the protesters.

He said the PNP expects rallyists to converge at Quirino Grandstand, People Power Monument, QC Circle, Mendiola, and Plaza Miranda.

However, they will not allow them to proceed to the United States Embassy and other diplomatic missions as these are "No Rally Zones and are non-negotiable.?"

The PNP reiterated its appeal to organizers and participants of various protest actions to police their own ranks to not allow their infiltration by saboteurs, to not carry firearms, to not occupy roads/streets so as not to inconvenience motorists, and to not commit crimes or violate any laws.

Carlos said they also asked the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious persons and/or activities that may disrupt the peaceful conduct of protests nationwide.

He said the public may report these  to any of these numbers: PNPTXT 2920, Emergency hotline 911, Itaga Mo Sa Bato text hotline 2286 and I-Report Mo Kay Tsip 09188475757. — RSJ/KVD, GMA News