The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has declared red alert status for the protests on September 21. According to Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, this is about readiness, and not immediate deployment. All units are monitored 24/7 and are ready to assist the PNP if needed to maintain peace and order.
The AFP also denied the allegation that the red alert was the beginning of militarization. They emphasized that the main objective is civilian safety, respect for human rights, and maintenance of order.
Meanwhile, the PNP announced that they will send more than 50,000 police officers nationwide to monitor the protests. This includes nearly 10,000 in visibility posts, 17,000 in mobile patrols, 3,000 in traffic, 9,000 in checkpoints, 6,000 in crowd control, 4,500 in the Reactionary Standby Support Force, and 415 drone operators for aerial monitoring.
The PNP reminded that the purpose of the large deployment is to balance public safety and the people's right to express themselves. They also encouraged the rallyists to remain peaceful and cooperate with the authorities.
The protest action called Trillion Peso March Against Corruption will be held on September 21, commemorating the declaration of Martial Law more than 50 years ago. It will be joined by more than 55 civil society groups, 5 political parties, and 130 youth organizations who will simultaneously shout, “Enough! Enough! Lock up!”
