LIMA – National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. says government doesn’t see the anti-Marcos protests as a security threat.

“I would rather look at it as democratic expression,” he said, noting that even the Marcos supporters are holding their own rallies.

“You would expect na merong kanya-kayang plano (both sides) as a matter of democratic advocacies,” Esperon said.

However, Esperon also said government is ready to take extra steps to maintain the peace should tensions escalate.

“If we have to, we will,” he said without elaborating.

Earlier, President Duterte expressed hope all parties would maintain extra tolerance as they vent their sentiments over the burial of President Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani.

The dictator’s burial, which was kept a secret by the Marcos family until just a few hours prior, has triggered protests and rallies all over the country.

• SLIDESHOW: Raging into the night against the Marcos burial