PNP chief defends arrests during EDSA 40 rites

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan, Philippine News Agency

PEACEKEEPERS. Police secure the EDSA People Power Revolution anniversary near the People Power Monument in Quezon City on Wednesday (Feb. 25, 2026). The Philippine National Police on Thursday (Feb. 26) said the event was “generally peaceful,” with no major incidents reported. (Photo: PNA/Facebook)

MANILA – Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Thursday defended the arrest of two individuals during the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution.

Nartatez said officers were under strict orders to observe maximum tolerance but must act if assaulted or if public safety is threatened.

“Our protocols are clear: we exercise maximum tolerance. However, when our personnel are physically assaulted or when the safety of the public is at risk, we must act to restore order,” he said in a statement.

At least three officers sustained minor injuries after alleged assaults by protesters.

Two individuals were arrested for allegedly throwing stones and disrupting traffic. They face charges of direct assault, resistance, and disobedience to a person in authority, alarm and scandal, and violation of the Public Assembly Act.

Police said the arrested individuals belonged to a group that did not secure a permit for the activity.

‘Generally peaceful’

Nartatez, meanwhile, lauded PNP personnel for successfully securing the event.

“The EDSA anniversary and Trillion Peso March have concluded without any major untoward incident,” Nartatez said. “Overall, the activities were generally peaceful.”

The PNP said the orderly events showed cooperation among organizers, participants, and police in ensuring safe public gatherings.

“This successful collaboration is a testament to our maturity as a nation. We have proven that we can exercise our democratic rights and voice our sentiments while maintaining mutual respect for the law and the safety of our fellow citizens,” Nartatez said.