Army and police officials in Negros Oriental are gearing up to ensure public safety and security in anticipation of anti-corruption protest actions scheduled for this week.
Brigadier General Jason Jumawan, commander of the Army’s 302nd Infantry Brigade based in Tanjay City, told the Philippine News Agency that they are now on red alert status and have stepped up monitoring and intelligence activities against those who would disrupt the peace and order in the province.
“The 302nd Brigade is also closely monitoring the anti-government elements who are exploiting the issues to discredit the government by staging mass protests,” Jumawan said in an interview.
The brigade has strengthened its cooperation and close coordination with the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Coast Guard in Negros Oriental, and is ready to deploy its Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) Units when necessary.
Jumawan said they are also not letting their guard down against the New People’s Army, even though its guerrilla fronts in Negros Oriental have already been dismantled and whose ability to mobilize support has already weakened.
Furthermore, Jumawan said the brigade and its units are strongly supporting the present administration while upholding the Constitution.
This comes as some sector groups have scheduled activities this week and culminating on September 21.
Lawyer Erwin Vergara, convenor of the Multi-Sectoral Alliance for Change, said during a press conference in Dumaguete City yesterday, that there would be series of protest actions from Wednesday, September 17 to Friday, September 19.
On Sunday, September 14, Vergara said around 10,000 individuals from various sectors are expected to converge for a protest rally in Dumaguete, calling for reforms and accountability amid alleged corruption in flood control projects.
Meanwhile, Lt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO), said in a separate interview that they have stepped up security checkpoints and will activate two CDM units in anticipation of the protest rallies.
The PNP leadership has not yet declared a heightened alert status, although police chiefs have already been directed to increase monitoring in their respective towns and cities.
Polinar said they will also ensure that protest actions will have the corresponding permits from local authorities as required by law and will not disrupt regular activities. (PNA)