PNP Chief Plt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. – Photo courtesy of the Office of the Chief PNP/Facebook.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said the overall peace and order situation during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address remained generally peaceful despite isolated incidents during protest actions.
Police personnel secured the Batasang Pambansa Complex and surrounding areas while ensuring the safety of government officials, delegates, and the public during the annual address.
The PNP monitored two major demonstrations along Commonwealth Avenue and near the Sandiganbayan and Commission on Audit in Quezon City, with an estimated combined attendance of about 6,000 participants.
Authorities said the gatherings remained largely orderly, although isolated confrontations and alleged violations were reported in some areas.
Police arrested 39 individuals in connection with the demonstrations over alleged offenses that included vandalism, malicious mischief, obstruction of justice, resistance or disobedience to persons in authority, and disturbances of public order.
Twelve minors who were initially taken into police custody were later turned over to social workers for assessment before being released, according to the PNP.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. thanked the public for maintaining order while exercising their right to peaceful assembly.
“Nagpapasalamat tayo sa ating mga kababayan na nakiisa sa pagpapanatili ng kaayusan habang iginagalang ang karapatan ng bawat isa na ipahayag ang kanilang saloobin nang mapayapa. Bagama’t may ilang insidenteng nauwi sa pag-aresto dahil sa mga naitalang paglabag sa umiiral na mga ordinansa at batas, agad itong naaksyunan ng ating mga pulis sa mahinahon at propesyonal na paraan.”
“Sa ating mga kapulisan, ipinakita ninyo ang disiplina at dedikasyon sa pagtupad ng inyong tungkulin. Patuloy nating paninindigan ang patas na pagpapatupad ng batas nang may paggalang sa karapatang pantao at sa dignidad ng bawat tao,” he added.