Police forces will go on full alert Saturday 1 pm ahead of anti-corruption protests set for Sept. 21.

More than 50,000 police officers have been deployed nationwide, including Metro Manila wherein bulk of the rallies will be held. The Philippine National Police is in close coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other government agencies to ensure swift response and unified security operations.

“This is a proactive measure to safeguard the right to peaceful assembly while preventing any attempt to disrupt public order,” acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.

At least 9,000 police officers will be deployed for the rallies, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) spokesperson Maj. Hazel Asilo said.

Police units in Metro Manila are fully deployed while police regional offices and reactionary standby support forces are on heightened readiness for rapid deployment in the case of emergencies.

“Our priority is the safety of everyone?protesters, bystanders, and the community at large,” Nartatez said.

Thousands are expected to attend rallies at Luneta Park, National Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace or EDSA Shrine, EDSA People Power Monument, Don Chino Roces Bridge along Mendiola Street and other areas in Metro Manila in protest of the rampant corruption in government-funded flood control projects.

The flood control projects, many of which were unmasked by authorities as ghosts, cost billions of pesos, resulting into alleged kickbacks for contractors, public works officials and reportedly lawmakers. DMS