MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) will deploy 50,335 personnel to maintain peace and order during the September 21 rally, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Tuesday.

In an interview with Karen Davila on ANC Headstart, Remulla said police officers will be assigned to ensure visibility, provide traffic assistance, man checkpoints, and serve as standby units for the mobilization.

“The PNP will make sure there is no trouble. The PNP will not suppress them. The PNP will not stop them in any way, and we will make sure it is just a peaceful rally,” Remulla said.

Thousands of demonstrators are expected to join separate protest actions at EDSA and Luneta on Sunday to denounce alleged corruption in flood control projects.

Remulla said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. supports the conduct of rallies, provided organizers secure the necessary permits.

“There is no opposition on the Palace’s part to granting any permits. In fact, they will assist them,” Remulla said. “The President is one with them, and it is a different case that happened in the other countries.”

The DILG chief also urged protesters to remain peaceful while expressing their grievances.

“I hope half a million people will show up and show indignation against these people, I hope they will vent, and I hope that there is a release of their anger in a very peaceful way, of their disappointment in how the things have transpired,” he said.