A renewed sense of community and shared purpose emerged once again on November 30, 2025, when event organizers held the second Trillion Peso March, following the first mass demonstrations on September 21. In the days leading up to the event, law enforcement agencies worked diligently to ensure that the public’s right to freedom of expression would be fully respected and protected.
In anticipation of the Trillion Peso March 2.0, the Philippine National Police (PNP) assured the public that comprehensive security and safety measures were in place to guarantee a peaceful, orderly, and secure conduct of assemblies. The event coincided with the nationwide observance of Bonifacio Day, commemorating the birth and heroism of Gat Andres Bonifacio, regarded as the Father of the Philippine Revolution.
Guided by the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and in close coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government under Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla, the PNP mobilized its full capabilities—strategically deploying personnel, strengthening inter-agency coordination, and positioning resources across critical areas. These efforts ensured efficient traffic management, rapid emergency response, and the overall safety of participants. The operation adhered to the Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO) framework under the PNP Focused Agenda, guaranteeing synchronized actions with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Department of Health, Local Government Units (LGUs), and other partner agencies.
All PNP units nationwide were placed under full alert status beginning 5:00 PM on November 28, maximizing personnel availability ahead of the large-scale demonstrations. Permits to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR) in Metro Manila were suspended from 12:01 AM of November 29 until 11:59 PM of December 1, with only uniformed personnel from PNP, AFP, and other law enforcement agencies on official duty allowed to carry firearms during this period.
PNP personnel were instructed to uphold maximum tolerance at all times, while remaining firm that acts of violence, intimidation, or lawlessness would not be tolerated. To ensure readiness, officers were properly briefed, equipped, and deployed to maintain peace and order throughout the demonstrations.
“We want everyone to feel safe and respected. Nandito ang PNP para bantayan ang kapayapaan habang ginagarantiyahan ang karapatan ng mga tao na magpahayag. Our guidance remains the same—maximum tolerance, but zero tolerance for any kind of violence,” said Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Acting PNP Chief.
He also appealed for full public cooperation: “We ask everyone to cooperate, follow lawful instructions, and immediately report anything suspicious para ligtas tayong lahat.”
From the early hours of November 30, the National Capital Region Police Office, headed by Police Major General Anthony A. Aberin, Reagional Director, deployed 16,670 personnel to secure major demonstration sites such as the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City and the Quirino Grandstand in Manila. Additional teams were stationed at Mendiola, San Sebastian College-Recoletos, the House of Representatives complex, and the Heroes’ Cemetery.
Meanwhile, SILG Remulla and PLtGen Nartatez, together with the PNP Command Group, Directorial Staff, and other senior officers, closely monitored real-time developments at the PNP Command Center. Constant coordination with ground commanders ensured smooth transitions, movements, and operational efficiency throughout the event.
By around 7:00 PM, PNP officially declared the Trillion Peso March as generally peaceful, with no major untoward incidents reported. Nationwide, 87 related activities were monitored, drawing a total of 55,975 participants. PLtGen Nartatez credited the orderly outcome to the responsible and disciplined participation of the public, as well as the effective coordination with organizers and partner agencies, saying: “Ipinapaabot ko ang aking pasasalamat sa mga organizers, marshals, at mga lumahok sa pagtitipon dahil sa disiplinado at responsableng pagpahayag ng kanilang karapatan. Ang inyong kooperasyon ang naging susi upang manatiling mapayapa at walang seryosong insidente ang naitala sa buong araw na aktibidad.”
During the Monday Flag Raising Ceremony on December 1, PLtGen Nartatez expressed his profound gratitude to all PNP personnel for their dedication, commending the professionalism and discipline demonstrated by field units and support teams throughout the national event. He also recognized their efforts in the post-event cleanup, where PNP personnel worked hand-in-hand with LGUs, partner agencies, volunteers, and community stakeholders to restore normalcy in affected areas.
PNP once again reaffirms its unwavering commitment to serve and protect the public, whether through managing peaceful assemblies or responding to emergencies and calamities. The men and women of the police force remain steadfast in safeguarding lives, upholding the law, and strengthening peace and order across the nation.
