The Philippine National Police (PNP) commended the Manila Police District (MPD) for its professional and restrained handling of a protest along Kalaw Avenue that ended peacefully despite attempts by demonstrators to march toward the United States Embassy.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the peaceful outcome reflected the discipline of police personnel who secured the area while respecting the public’s constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
The operation was in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to uphold public safety while protecting every Filipino’s constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
“The Manila Police District demonstrated professionalism, discipline, and restraint in managing the protest. Our personnel ensured public safety, respected the participants’ right to peaceful assembly, and secured the diplomatic area without any reported injuries or arrests,” Nartatez said.
“We commend everyone involved, including the organizers, for helping keep the activity peaceful,” he added.
Progressive groups staged the protest to mark the 10th anniversary of the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling on the West Philippine Sea.
The landmark decision invalidated China’s sweeping claims under its so-called nine-dash line and affirmed the Philippines’ sovereign rights over parts of the West Philippine Sea under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
During the rally, protesters attempted to march toward the US Embassy along Roxas Boulevard. Police established a barricade and temporarily closed a portion of Kalaw Avenue leading to Roxas Boulevard to maintain public safety and manage traffic.
Nartatez said the operation demonstrated the PNP’s commitment to lawful and measured public order management.
“This reflects the PNP’s commitment to rights-based and intelligence-driven public order management. Our objective is always to facilitate the peaceful exercise of constitutional rights while maintaining public safety, protecting critical facilities, and minimizing disruption to the community through measured and lawful police action,” the PNP chief said.