Anti-government demonstrations marking the 54th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law proceeded without major disruptions on Monday, according to law enforcement officials.
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) estimated that roughly 2,200 participants gathered for the rallies, with a group remaining at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila late into the afternoon.
Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano, director of the NCRPO, noted that while early reports were positive, a complete evaluation would come after all demonstrations concluded.
“So far its okay, there are no significant incidents reported,” Abrahano said. “The rallies are still ongoing. We are still monitoring (them) so cannot yet give the final assessment…So far, it’s (rallies) not yet over.”
Other police representatives echoed the initial assessment, citing no major security issues throughout the day.
“So far it’s generally peaceful,”said NCRPO spokesperson Lt. Col. Hazel Asilo.
Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Col. Allen Rae Co characterized the day’s events as “Very peaceful, very orderly,” adding that officers applied maximum tolerance when handling crowds.
Addressing brief moments of tension, Co clarified that police intervened to de-escalate situations without resorting to formal detentions. “They were restrained from doing anything else. But they were not actually arrested, they were released immediately or they were just restrained,” Co said.
Authorities continue to monitor the remaining sites as scheduled programs wrap up.