As the nation commemorated the 40th Anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, the Philippine National Police (PNP), under the leadership of PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., implemented extensive security measures to ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of the “Trillion Peso March” rally coinciding with the anniversary, as well as related assemblies nationwide.
Ahead of the scheduled activities, all units of the National Capital Region Police Office were placed under Full Alert Status as of 5:00 PM on February 21, 2026. This heightened alert ensured seamless coordination and operational readiness before, during, and after the event.
To secure the rally and related gatherings, PNP executed a comprehensive deployment strategy. A total of 3,657 Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) personnel were deployed on the ground, supported by 3,613 augmentation forces and 1,197 standby CDM contingents ready for immediate reinforcement when necessary.
For rapid response and public safety, 501 Quick Reaction Teams, including Special Weapons and Tactics and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)/K9 units, were strategically positioned. In addition, 337 traffic and route security teams managed vehicular flow and ensured safe access routes for both participants and the general public.
Complementing these efforts were 332 mobile patrol units, 186 beat patrol officers, and 246 strong points established in key areas to maintain police visibility and deter unlawful activities. Public safety measures were further reinforced by 142 medical teams on standby, as well as drone operators, negotiators, arresting officers, legal support units, and administrative personnel to maintain efficient operational control.
Police General Nartatez emphasized that the extensive deployment was preventive in nature and firmly anchored on professionalism. The preparations were aligned with the PNP’s Focused Agenda through Enhanced Managing Police Operations, ensuring centralized command, efficient resource management, and real-time national coordination.
He assured the public that police presence would remain disciplined and non-partisan, while reminding participants to observe safety protocols and cooperate with authorities, stating: “Ginagalang ng PNP ang karapatan ng bawat mamamayan na magtipon at magpahayag nang mapayapa. Ang aming tungkulin ay tiyakin na ang mga aktibidad ay isinasagawa nang maayos at walang gulo. Maximum tolerance at professionalism ang ating laging pinaiiral.”
The rally, organized by Tindig Pilipinas, SIKLAB, and the Trillion Peso March Movement, was approved by the Quezon City Local Government Unit and was held along White Plains Avenue, Quezon City. Organizers set up the stage at midnight on February 24, and the program were conducted from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM on February 25, 2026. No other rally permits were granted for the same date and location.
On the day of the event, the PNP Chief personally monitored developments at the PNP Command Center, closely tracking real-time reports from ground commanders nationwide. This centralized monitoring ensured the proper positioning of security forces, the readiness of contingency measures, and the continuous prioritization of public safety.
Monitoring operations confirmed assemblies in various areas, including the EDSA Shrine, Robinsons Galleria, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, University of the Philippines Diliman, Ermita, as well as Intramuros, Manila, and Pureza Street.
An estimated 8,750 participants joined various activities nationwide. In response, PNP deployed approximately 14,000 personnel to oversee security and monitoring operations, in line with the PNP Chief’s directive to uphold constitutional rights and ensure the orderly conduct of all activities.
Meanwhile, the PNP Top Cop expressed gratitude to all police personnel, partner agencies, and local government units for their cooperation and dedication in ensuring a safe and orderly commemoration.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa ating mga pulis na nagbantay at nagpatupad ng batas nang may disiplina at malasakit. Salamat rin sa lahat ng ating partner agencies at local government units na tumulong upang maging maayos at mapayapa ang ating mga monitoring activities,” he said.
As the country reflects on the enduring legacy of People Power, the Philippine National Police reaffirmed its commitment to protect the rights of the public while maintaining peace and order, serving with integrity, professionalism, and respect for every Filipino.
