Philippines: Rallies likely to occur in Calabarzon Region and Metro Manila through mid-March over activists' deaths

Event

Multiple civic groups will likely stage rallies in Calabarzon Region and Metro Manila, Luzon, through mid-March to demand the government investigate the deaths of at least nine activists March 7. Several groups claim that security personnel killed the activists, who were working on various issues like fishers' rights and poverty, during raids in Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal provinces. Likely protest sites in Metro Manila include Camp Crame, Camp Karingal, and the Malacanang Palace. Rallies may also occur at government buildings and popular gathering sites like prominent intersections and monuments in Calabarzon Region's urban centers, such as Batangas City, Batangas Province; Imus, Cavite Province; Calamba City and Santa Cruz, Laguna Province; Lucena City, Quezon Province; and Antipolo, Rizal Province. Dozens to hundreds of people may participate in any action.

Authorities will likely boost security, including setting up roadblocks and security cordons, around any protest sites. Localized transport and business disruptions may occur, particularly if the activists occupy nearby streets. Clashes are possible, especially if security personnel attempt to forcibly disperse any gathering. Mass arrests may occur if authorities consider any protesters to violate COVID-19 restrictions.

Advice

Avoid any protest as a precaution. Plan for possible localized disruptions and use alternative routes to circumvent rally sites. If any violence erupts nearby, immediately depart the area and seek shelter in a non-governmental building. Heed all official security and transport advisories.