Martial Law Anniversary, Anti-Corruption Rallies Held Peacefully in NCR

MANILA, Philippines—The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Monday lauded the peaceful conduct of rallies commemorating the 54th anniversary of Martial Law, crediting cops and organizers for maintaining order while respecting protesters’ constitutional right to assembly. More than 17,000 police officers have been deployed since Saturday night as multisectoral groups took to the streets. The NCRPO said it focused on ensuring the safety of the protesters and the general public, and facilitating the exercise of their constitutional rights. “We are thankful to our police force for their professionalism and dedication in ensuring peace and order during the rallies. We also commend the organizers for their cooperation in making sure that the activities were conducted in a peaceful manner,” said NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Jonel Estomo. Estomo said the police presence was visible in strategic areas to deter any untoward incidents. He added that the police were also instructed to be respectful and considerate of the protesters’ rights. “We understand that people have the right to express their grievances. Our role is to ensure that they can do so safely and without infringing on the rights of others,” Estomo said. The rallies, which started on Saturday night, were participated in by various multisectoral groups, including students, labor unions, and human rights advocates. They called for accountability from the government, particularly on issues of corruption and human rights violations. Despite the large number of participants, no major untoward incidents were reported. The NCRPO said that only a few minor altercations were resolved by the police on the spot. “This is a testament to our commitment to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of our citizens,” Estomo said. He added that the police would continue to be vigilant and responsive to the needs of the public.