There will be no work suspension for over 106,000 policemen on May 1 as they were tasked to secure the rallies and other activities during the Labor Day celebration across the country.
And this is a sacrifice that deserves commendation, according to Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), as he declared that they are all set to ensure peace and order on Friday, May 1.
“To our officers on the ground, we honor your sacrifice as you serve the nation on Labor Day. You are the shield of our democracy. Perform your duties with pride, remain professional under pressure, and remember that our primary mission is to keep every Filipino safe,” said Nartatez.
Police forces across the country will be on heightened alert status from 12:01 a.m. of April 30 until 12:01 a.m. of May 2. More than 106,000 officers, including specialized units, will be mobilized across the country to ensure that the Labor Day protests will be peaceful and orderly.
And part of those mobilized are on standby to monitor mass actions and potential security threats.
Nartatez emphasized that the primary focus of the deployment was the protection of both the protesters and the general public while Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) units utilized body-worn cameras to provide an objective record of the interactions between law enforcement and mobilization groups.
He also instructed the Intelligence Group to maintain real-time coordination with local government units to identify and monitor outside agitators who might attempt to infiltrate and disrupt peaceful worker demonstrations.
Nartatez said they have not monitored any credible security threat to the observance of Labor Day.
“The PNP is on heightened alert not to suppress, but to secure. We are here to ensure that Labor Day remains a peaceful celebration for the workers who are the backbone of our nation,” Nartatez stated.
“We respect the right to peaceful assembly but we will not tolerate any acts of violence or lawlessness. Our directive is clear, exercise maximum tolerance while maintaining the rule of law,” he added.
