By CESAR JOLITO III
The Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) has mobilized more than 1,100 personnel across Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siquijor to maintain peace and order as the nation marks the 53rd anniversary of the martial law declaration on Sunday, September 21.
PRO-NIR Director Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay emphasized that while it is prepared to secure public safety during transport strikes and other demonstrations, it remains committed to protecting the people’s constitutional right to peaceful assembly and free expression.
A total of 1,162 police personnel have been deployed to critical areas for visibility posts, mobile and motorcycle patrols, foot patrols, traffic management, Civil Disturbance Management Units, Reactionary Standby Support Force, and drone operations for enhanced monitoring.
Police units are also on heightened alert to assist commuters who may be affected by transport strikes or protest actions.
Coordination with local government units, transport groups and other stakeholders has been made to prevent untoward incidents and minimize public disruption.
“The right to peaceful assembly is a fundamental pillar of our democracy, one that we fully recognize and are sworn to protect,” Ibay said.
“At the same time, we have a solemn duty to ensure that public safety, order and the rights of others are equally upheld,” he added.
PRO-NIR urged demonstrators to exercise their freedoms peacefully and responsibly, warning that any attempt to incite violence or commit unlawful acts will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
At least 6,000 Negrenses are expected to join the nationwide “A Trillion March” on Sunday, which calls for clean governance and accountability.
The indignation rally, organized locally by the One Negros Ecumenical Council alongside multi-sectoral groups, will begin at 1:30 p.m. from the Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol Lagoon and proceed to the Bacolod City Government Center Replica.
Organizers are encouraging participants to wear white shirts and ribbons to symbolize the call for transparency and reform./CJ, WDJ