Manila, Philippines – Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. insisted that the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ raising of the red alert status following the rally by the religious group Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) on EDSA that began Tuesday morning is just part of the routine security measures.
The AFP has raised red alert status in all units in the National Capital Region (NCR) to ensure that troops are on heightened alert amid the ongoing mass demonstration at the EDSA People Power Monument.
According to Teodoro, the AFP is coordinating with the Philippine National Police (PNP), but the secretary maintained that the AFP’s role is only to support the PNP in ensuring peace at the rally.
Although there was commotion and tension in some parts of the protest action yesterday, the PNP announced that the mass demonstration by the religious group was generally peaceful.
Three PNP personnel were injured while two of the mass demonstrators were arrested for allegedly assaulting police officers, the arrestees were immediately released.
The military continues to call on organizers of protest actions to ensure that their activities comply with the law to avoid disturbing public order or causing any inconvenience to commuters, workers, students, and other members of the public.
On Tuesday, Malacañang Palace announced that important appointments of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. have been canceled due to the religious group’s rally.
Security has also been tightened around Malacañang Palace.—Alvin Pelobello, Eurotv News