13,448 Cops, 501 Quick Reaction Teams, and Drones: Inside the Massive Police Deployment for Tomorrow's Trillion Peso March
The National Capital Region Police Office isn't playing around for tomorrow's Trillion Peso March. A total of 13,448 police officers will be deployed across Metro Manila on Wednesday, February 25, to secure the demonstrations marking the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution. That's slightly lower than the originally planned 14,226, after a "realignment" moved some Southern Police District personnel back to regular operations.
NCRPO spokesperson Maj. Hazel Asilo confirmed that the Quezon City government approved three rally permits, including one for the Trillion Peso March Movement's program along White Plains Avenue near the People Power Monument. Authorities proposed a single stage to help with traffic and crowd management, and groups that agreed to share the venue and stage were granted access.
The security apparatus is extensive: 501 Quick Reaction Teams including SWAT and bomb squad/K9 units, 337 traffic and route security teams, 381 covert personnel, 332 mobile patrol units, and 186 beat patrol officers. They've also set up 246 strong points and will have 142 medical teams on standby. Drone operators, negotiators, and legal support teams round out the deployment.
Asilo had a pointed message for groups without permits: they will be dispersed, "especially if they are causing trouble." The NCRPO raised its full alert status starting Saturday afternoon, and all officers are expected to remain on standby throughout Wednesday. The AFP is also on red alert, though military officials have emphasized their role is purely security-related and not political.
For motorists, expect heavy traffic near the People Power Monument starting 8 AM, particularly along EDSA, Katipunan Avenue, Ortigas Avenue, and Temple Drive. White Plains Avenue will be completely closed to vehicles beginning 6 AM. If you're commuting through QC tomorrow, plan your route accordingly — or better yet, work from home if you can. Babala na 'yan.
Source: Philippine News Agency / Philippine Canadian Inquirer
