PNP to deploy 8,500 cops for 1986 EDSA People Power anniv rallies in NCR, Cebu

Around 8,500 cops will be deployed to secure the conduct of rallies in the National Capital Region and Cebu on the anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday.

“We are looking at two rallies. One in Cebu and the other rallies will be in Manila,” PNP chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. said in an ambush interview after the 123rd anniversary ceremony of the Manila Police District.

“In Cebu, we're intending to deploy more or less 2,500 police personnel. In Metro Manila, more or less 6,000,” he added.

According to Acorda, the police will provide maximum tolerance to the protesters but he reminded them to calm down during their programs.

So far, Acorda said the police have not monitored any threat for the observation of the event.

Against Charter change

In a statement, the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) said it will observe the occasion with nationwide and overseas protests against the moves for Charter Change.

In Manila, the protest will be held near the EDSA Shrine on February 25 at 3 p.m., according to Bayan.

Meanwhile, other actions are being readied in different cities throughout the country as well as in Australia, Hong Kong and the United States, it added.

“The move for Charter change has worsened the political crisis in the country, caused conflict between the Senate and the House, and has given rise to a broad opposition against the Marcos-backed measure,” Bayan said.

“Charter change will result in the total sell-out of the Philippine economy and the permanent entrenchment of certain political dynasties,” it added.

This year will mark the 38th anniversary of the bloodless uprising that ended reign of the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and catapulted Corazon Aquino to the presidency. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA Integrated News