The White Ribbon March at the People Power Monument ended peacefully on Sunday, with police reporting no untoward incidents despite the deployment of nearly 10,000 personnel for the broader security operation.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said reports from ground commanders showed that the public assembly remained generally peaceful and orderly throughout the day.
“Based on our real-time monitoring and reports from commanders on the ground, the White Ribbon March has remained generally peaceful and orderly,” Nartatez said in a statement issued Sunday afternoon.
“Participants have been exercising their right to peaceful assembly responsibly while our personnel continue to ensure public safety, maintain order, and facilitate the smooth flow of traffic without unnecessary disruption,” he added.
The PNP placed concerned units under full alert from 5 pm on June 27 until 12:01 am on June 29 to secure the march, which was centered at the People Power Monument along EDSA.
Security coverage included the People Power Monument, EDSA Shrine, Mendiola Peace Arch, Ayala Bridge, the United States Embassy, major thoroughfares, transport routes, and other convergence points.
Personnel came from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), nearby police regional offices, and support units. Police also coordinated with the Quezon City government, organizers, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, emergency responders, and other partner agencies for security and traffic management.
At the rally site, Quezon City Police District Director Brig. Gen. Randy Glenn Silvio said around 1,500 security personnel were deployed.
“So far, there’s none. The only hot thing is the weather… We thank the organizers for the peaceful outcome,” Silvio said, referring to the absence of untoward incidents.
Silvio attributed the peaceful conduct of the rally to coordination between police and organizers, noting that both sides held several meetings before the event.
“We have a good relationship with them. The good thing here is that we have a series of meetings before this event,” he said.
Police estimated the crowd at around 3,500 as of 2:30 pm, while QCPD spokesperson Maj. Jennifer Gannaban later placed the number at around 3,600 as of 3:30 pm By 5 pm, police said the crowd had decreased to about 2,000.
The protesters began marching to the People Power Monument at around 1:30 p.m. after attending a Mass at the EDSA Shrine. Organizers were allowed to hold the program from 2 pm to 8 pm, although police said they expected the event to end earlier.
The protesters called for an end to corruption, accountability for public officials, and the abolition of political dynasties.
Among the groups that joined the rally was the Bunyog party-list group, whose members carried a streamer reading: “I-convict si Sara! Panagutin ang lahat ng sangkot sa korapsyon, kahirapan at dinastiya.”
Other placards and streamers bore messages such as “Lahat ng tiwali at sangkot managot,” “Tapat na pamumuno, hindi bulok na sistema! End corruption,” “Impeach Sara Duterte now!” and “Kurakot managot.”
Vice President Sara Duterte is facing an impeachment trial before the Senate over allegations that include corruption-related issues and other charges.
NCRPO spokesperson Maj. Hazel Asilo said no untoward incident had been reported as of late Sunday afternoon. She also said some protesters experienced medical emergencies and were assisted by Philippine Red Cross personnel, although figures were not immediately available.
“The activity was peaceful due to our collaboration with the LGU and the organizers. The White Ribbon rally was peaceful and orderly,” Asilo said.
Nartatez commended police personnel deployed for the event, saying they performed their duties with restraint and professionalism.
“Our deployed personnel have been performing their duties with professionalism, discipline, and maximum tolerance. Their visible presence, together with close coordination with organizers and partner agencies, has contributed to maintaining a peaceful environment while allowing the public to exercise their constitutional rights,” Nartatez said.
The United People’s Initiative (UPI), led by retired Maj. Gen. Romeo Poquiz withdrew its support and participation while the protest was ongoing, citing concerns over the composition of the organizing coalition and the involvement of groups it described as having ideological and partisan affiliations.
UPI said its decision should not be interpreted as a retreat from its advocacy against corruption and for political reform.
“On the contrary, we remain fully committed to these causes and will continue to pursue them through peaceful, constitutional, and genuinely unifying means,” the group said.