By CESAR JOLITO III
The Police Regional Office – Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) said the anti-corruption protest action, dubbed as the “Trillion Peso March” yesterday, concluded peacefully and without any untoward incident across the region.
PRO-NIR assessed the overall protest rally as generally peaceful, with the security coverage implemented deemed effective and well-coordinated.
A total of 869 personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP) were deployed to ensure the safety and security of rally participants and the public.
The deployment included units from Civil Disturbance Management, the Regional Support Services Force, Special Weapons and Tactics and others.
The PNP likewise worked in full coordination with partner agencies, including the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and various force multipliers.
This interagency effort ensured the smooth and secure conduct of activities in all monitored areas.
In Bacolod City, two rally groups held separate assemblies before converging at the city public plaza.
In the monitoring of the Bacolod City Police Office, the group from Lupit Church started their activity at 11:50 a.m. and arrived at the plaza at 1:48 p.m.
Meanwhile, the assembly at the Negros Occidental Capitol Park and Lagoon began at 12:00 noon and reached the plaza at 1:51 p.m., concluding their program at around 4:00 p.m.
All rallyists peacefully dispersed, and no incidents were reported throughout the activity.
Overall, around 1,300 individuals joined the rally.
In Negros Oriental, the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office monitored a peaceful rally at Pantawan Boulevard in Dumaguete City, with an estimated 70 individuals participating.
No significant incidents were recorded.
PRO-NIR Director Police Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay commends all PNP personnel for their professionalism and diligence in managing the security operations and extends his appreciation to the rally organizers, participants and the entire community for responsibly observing the safety and security protocols put in place.
Ibay emphasized that the peaceful outcome of the day’s activities demonstrates the shared commitment of both law enforcement and the public to ensuring orderly civic engagement./CJ, WDJ