PNP: No group applied for permit to protest on Martial Law anniversary

MANILA, Philippines - No group has applied for a permit to protest in Metro Manila on the 54th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said.

This was confirmed by NCRPO spokesperson Major Hazel Asilo in a message to Philstar.com on Monday, September 21.

This means that progressive groups that wish to stage protests are not allowed to hold them across Metro Manila unless they do so in designated freedom parks.

Some groups have announced anti-corruption protests today, including the Kilusang Bayan Kontra Kurakot, which will hold a program at 3 p.m. at Liwasang Bonifacio, a designated freedom park in Manila.

According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), more than 17,000 police personnel have been deployed across Metro Manila in anticipation of the protests.

This is higher than the 15,000 personnel the PNP initially said would be deployed in Metro Manila.