Protesters, cops lauded for peaceful National Day of Protest

FILE: (Photo from Chad Booc via Mae Juana Change Paner/Facebook)

MANILA — National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief, Director Oscar Albayalde, expressed his gratitude to the demonstrators and law enforcers who made sure that no untoward incident would mar the observance of the National Day of Protest in Manila Thursday.

“There was no report of any untoward incident from all five police districts.

The protesters, (both) pro- and anti-government, heeded our call to be calm and be vigilant of their ranks,” Albayalde said Friday.

The number of anti-government protesters at Luneta Park reached 7,500 to 8,000; pro-government groups in Plaza Miranda, Quiapo numbered about 6,500; and those in Mendiola about 3,500.

“I also extend my gratitude to all our men and women on the ground, including our standby forces.

Lahat kami ay nagbantay hanggang natapos ang araw na naging maayos at tahimik naman (All of us stood guard until the end of the day, which went well and was peaceful),” Albayalde said.

Some 1,500 security troops were deployed to ensure that the protest activities would be orderly and peaceful.

The country marked the 45th anniversary of President Ferdinand Marcos’ declaration of martial law on Thursday, September 21.

Earlier, President Rodrigo Duterte declared the day as a National Day of Protest, announcing the suspension of classes in public schools and work in government offices to give leeway to militant groups to conduct mass actions. (PNA)