POLICE offices are on heightened alert for possible rallies on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025.
Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) spokesperson Lt. Col. Mercy Villaro said personnel from police stations, the Special Weapons and Tactics and the City Mobile Force Company are on standby while deployment numbers are still being finalized.
Villaro said the exact number of officers to be fielded is still under discussion. She said the office has not received any confirmation on who will hold the rallies or where they might take place.
She said although nationwide protests are expected on Sunday, the MCPO continues to hold coordination meetings with other agencies to ensure readiness.
“We will deploy our personnel and also have reserved personnel at headquarters in case additional force is needed,” Villaro said.
Anti-corruption rallies are set for Sept. 21, which coincides with the anniversary of martial law’s declaration.
According to Villaro, no specific information has been received about possible rally locations or participating groups in the city but preparations are in place.
“In previous rallies in Mandaue, it has always been peaceful and not violent,” she said.
The identified area for rallies is Freedom Park, across from the Bureau of Fire Protection office. Villaro said rallies held in private areas require permits.
“It does not mean we are prohibiting them from expressing their sentiments. We just have to identify and deploy, check their permits and ensure the safety of the ralliers,” she said.
The preparations are part of a directive from the Police Regional Office 7 to secure public safety during the scheduled nationwide rallies. / ABC