PNP News Releases 2005

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: PNP LOWERS ALERT LEVEL

Interior and Local Government Secretary Angelo T Reyes today commended the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Phiippiines for the efficient security operations in yesterday's political rally at the Makati Central Business District.

“Everything went ahead as planned. Everyone deserves a pat on the back for a job well done,” Reyes said.

For his part, PNP Chief, Director General Arturo C Lomibao congratulated all personnel of PNP Units that participated in yesterday's security operations.

“Our mission was accomplished. The rally went on peacefully and without incident because of the vigilance and cooperation of everyone,” Lomibao said.

At the same time, Lomibao thanked the rally organizers and leaders of cause-oriented groups that spearheaded the mass actions yesterday for their cooperation and support to the efforts of the police.

This developed as the nationwide alert status was lowered from “full” to “heightened” because of the improved situation.

The rally along the stretch of Ayala Avenue in Makati City was participated by groups and personalities from the political opposition, and representatives from various cause oriented groups and organizations.

No major security concerns were reported during the rally except for some complaints filed with the police regarding lost personal items.

Three female rally participants who came all the way from Bicol passed out apparently due to exhaustion. The PNP Chief, who was at the site, personally assisted in providing first aid treatment to the victims by a PNP Emergency Medical Team deployed in the area.

In his assessment, the PNP Chief said the overall peace and order situation remained manageable, and no untoward incidents were reported except in Cebu City where there was a brief confrontation between some rallyists and security personnel.

Elsewhere around the country, it was generally peaceful, including Metro Manila.