PNP prepared to secure another major protest

The Philippine National Police is prepared to secure another Trillion Peso March should organizers push through with a third mass protest amid calls for the arrest of so-called "big fish" in the flood P25 MM control scam, acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said yesterday.

- By MARK ERNEST VILLEZA

Nartatez said police units, particularly in Metro Manila, handle an average of three rallies a day by various groups, making the PNP accustomed to large mobilizations.

“We welcome the expression of sentiments and the freedom of expression,” he said in a briefing at Camp Crame.

He added, however, that rights must be exercised responsibly and “end when they invade the rights of others.”

He said the PNP continues to improve security operations and has the resources to respond to both large and small mobilizations.

“The PNP is always ready. After all, that is our commitment, the service we provide,” he said.

Atleast 90,000 people joined 119 anti-corruption protests across the country on Sunday, based on police estimates.