Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. defended on Monday the police dispersal of teachers and students who staged a rally near Malacañang Palace on Sunday.
“Our personnel were performing their duties to maintain peace, public order, and security in accordance with established operational procedures,” Nartatez said in a statement.
Police operatives broke up the demonstration staged by members of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) and student groups a day before World Teachers’ Day. The demonstrators gathered to demand economic relief, including a baseline monthly salary of P50,000 for entry-level teachers and a P5,000 Personnel Economic Relief Allowance.
ACT reported that 16 teachers and students sustained injuries during the action. The organization also stated that personal belongings of five protesters were damaged and that police seized and broke two megaphones.
“Based on initial information, the police personnel deployed in the area were implementing security measures consistent with existing protocols,” Nartatez stated. “The PNP remains confident that our officers acted professionally and with restraint while carrying out their mandate to ensure public safety and order.”
Nartatez affirmed that while the PNP respects the right of citizens to express their grievances, demonstrators must abide by the law and obey lawful commands from law enforcers.
“Our officers’ presence was not intended to prevent them from being heard but to ensure that their activities remain peaceful, orderly, and safe for everyone,” Nartatez said.
Speaking at a press briefing at Camp Crame, Nartatez pointed out that the perimeter around Malacañang is not a designated rally zone and underscored that the group lacked the necessary permit to conduct a demonstration there.
“They should have gone to a freedom park (since they have no permit). A rally (outside freedom parks) requires permit. Otherwise, it’s called illegal assembly,” Nartatez explained.
Nartatez maintained that police officers acted promptly to safeguard public safety and secure the area during the incident.
“That was the second lightning rally that happened in that area. I think three months ago was the first time and the second time was yesterday (Sunday),” Nartatez said, adding that officers took “immediate action” to disperse the gathering.