Metro Manila Police Prepare for Friday Protests Amid Flood Control Scandal

Metro Manila, Philippines – The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) announced its preparedness for a series of protests scheduled for Friday, September 12, in response to the ongoing flood control scandal.

In an official statement issued on Thursday, September 11, the NCRPO assured the public that it will uphold peace and order during the demonstrations while exhibiting maximum tolerance. The police reiterated their commitment to respecting the constitutional right of Filipinos to assemble and express their opinions.

"We respect and uphold the constitutional right of every Filipino to assemble and express their views," the statement read. "At the same time, we remind everyone that these freedoms must be carried out peacefully and responsibly, without endangering public safety or disrupting community life."

To prevent possible incidents such as clashes, vandalism, and traffic disruptions, the police will be on heightened alert with intensified security measures. The public has been advised to avoid protest sites when possible and to cooperate with law enforcement officials.

Acting Philippine National Police Chief, PLtGen Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., expressed confidence that the protests would remain peaceful and would not escalate to the violent levels witnessed in recent unrests in Indonesia and Nepal. Nonetheless, he emphasized that the police are prepared for any eventuality.

According to NCRPO spokesperson PMaj Hazel Asilo, over 2,000 officers will be deployed to manage at least four protest actions expected to take place across Metro Manila, although specific locations had not been confirmed at the time.

Protests related to the flood control issue have already occurred in recent days. On Thursday morning, around 200 demonstrators gathered for an anti-corruption rally in front of the EDSA Shrine, as reported by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

Last week, activists targeted the business compound of the Discaya family, known government contractors, in Pasig City, defacing the gate with graffiti that read "magnanakaw ikulong [jail the thief]" and chanting slogans against Sarah Discaya. Protests also took place at the central and regional offices of the Department of Public Works and Highways, as well as at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City, where groups called for accountability regarding the flood control scandal.