Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. reported that the recently concluded activities marking the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution were generally peaceful and orderly.
He said the EDSA anniversary events and the so-called Trillion Peso March ended without any major untoward incidents.
This was despite tensions that arose between police officers and some protesters.
Authorities blocked the rallyists, citing the absence of a permit for the activity and their alleged attempt to occupy the southbound lane of the road.
As a result, some protesters reportedly dismantled police barricades and threw objects at officers.
Three police personnel sustained minor injuries during the incident.
Two individuals were arrested and are now under police custody.
They may face charges of direct assault, resistance and disobedience to a person in authority, alarm and scandal, and violations of local ordinances.
The PNP defended the arrests, saying they were carried out in accordance with the law.
The agency added that any force used was necessary to prevent further harm between police and protesters.
It emphasized that maximum tolerance was strictly observed, but if personnel were harmed or placed in danger, they had the duty to act to maintain public order.
(PHOTO COURTESY: MMDA)
