CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Nearly 3,000 police officers will be deployed across Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City on Wednesday as church groups, students, and activists take to the streets to mark the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution.
The Police Regional Office 10 (PRO-10) has placed standby support forces and quick-reaction teams on high alert.
These units will reinforce local police stations to manage rallies, noise barrages, and candle-lighting ceremonies scheduled for Feb. 25.
PRO-10 Director Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano said the deployment includes personnel from provincial units and mobile forces.
He added that officers have been instructed to exercise “maximum tolerance” and maintain professionalism at all rally sites.
In the Catholic community, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro is taking a leading role in the commemoration.
Msgr. Nathaniel Lerio said parishes will send contingents for a commemorative march starting at the Misamis Oriental Provincial Capitol and ending at Gaston Park, located in front of the St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral.
Jose Cabantan will conclude the mobilization by celebrating a Eucharistic Mass at the park.
Student participation is also expected to be significant. Nestor Banuag Jr., director of the Xavier University Social Involvement and Advocacy Program, said students will hold a noise barrage and candle-lighting ceremony along Corrales Street in front of the campus.
Elsewhere, the Promotion of Church People’s Response (PCPR) in Northern Mindanao plans to gather near the Press Freedom Monument.
Meanwhile, in Iligan City, several groups are awaiting local government permits to finalize their Feb. 25 activities.
