Different anti-Duterte demonstrators gather at the Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila on Bonifacio Day, Nov. 30, 2017. PATHRICIA ANN ROXAS
The police said it was on alert for possible armed threats as various groups demonstrated in support or against President Rodrigo Duterte on Bonifacio Day.
鈥淎ng tinitignan lang dito mga militante. Alam natin minsan gumagamit ng armado. We hope wala silang gawing masama,鈥� said Director Oscar Albayalde, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief.
Albayalde said they had not monitored any threats as of Thursday afternoon.
鈥淲alang threat,鈥� the NCRPO director said, as he disclosed that 500 more policemen had been deployed in Manila to keep the peace.
鈥淪a ngayon yung augmentation from RPSB (Regional Public Safety Battalion)聽coming from MPD (Manila Police District) ay 500,鈥� Albayalde said.
The official said they would not allow protesters to go near Mendiola bridge.
鈥淪inara na lang natin yung kalsada. Babantayan natin para hindi na pumunta sa Mendiola bridge,鈥� he said.
While they have not monitored any threats, Albayalde said they would continue to be vigilant against security risks. /cbb