PNP urges peaceful protests, reminds demonstrators of rules ahead of ASEAN Summit

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
November 14, 2026

Photo courtesy: PNA

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has urged groups planning demonstrations during the 49th ASEAN Summit to coordinate with authorities and observe public assembly regulations, as security measures tighten ahead of the arrival of world leaders in Metro Manila.

PNP Chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. emphasized on November 14 that Filipinos have the right to express their views and participate in peaceful protests. However, he encouraged organizers to use designated areas and follow established procedures to prevent disruptions and ensure public safety.

“May karapatan ang bawat Pilipino na magsalita at magpahayag ng kanilang saloobin. We respect that,” Nartatez said.

He added that police must balance freedom of expression with their responsibility to protect demonstrators, the public and foreign delegates attending the summit.

Protests planned during summit

The police appeal comes as several organizations prepare demonstrations opposing the scheduled visit of United States President Donald Trump and other issues surrounding the regional gathering.

Student groups held walkouts at universities across the country on November 13, expressing opposition to Trump’s visit and the U.S.-led Pax Silica initiative.

Transport group PISTON has also announced a transport strike for November 16 to protest the American president’s visit.

Other groups staged demonstrations on November 14, raising concerns about foreign policy, energy and economic issues.

The PNP has encouraged organizers to coordinate with local government units and police authorities before conducting public assemblies.

Early coordination, according to police, would help identify appropriate venues, address logistical concerns and reduce the possibility of confrontations.

Police remind organizers of assembly laws

Authorities cited Batas Pambansa Blg. 880, or the Public Assembly Act of 1985, which sets the requirements for holding demonstrations in public places.

Under the law, organizers generally need a permit for public assemblies in public places, except in designated freedom parks, private properties with the owner’s consent, and certain government-owned educational campuses subject to their regulations.

The PNP reminded organizers that violations of applicable assembly regulations may carry legal consequences.

However, peaceful demonstrations remain protected under the Constitution, and the absence of a permit does not automatically authorize police to disperse an assembly. Enforcement must comply with the safeguards provided by law.

Nartatez instructed police commanders and personnel to remain professional, courteous and measured when dealing with demonstrators.

He also stressed that police actions must have a lawful basis and respect the rights of those involved.

Rights groups call for protection of protesters

Amnesty International Philippines has separately urged the Marcos administration to ensure that demonstrators can exercise their rights without intimidation, violence or arbitrary arrest.

The organization expressed concern about possible restrictions on protest activities, citing police responses during the Philippines’ hosting of the ASEAN Summit in 2017.

Amnesty International Philippines Section Director Ritz Lee Santos III argued that limiting demonstrations to designated sites could undermine protesters’ ability to make their concerns heard.

The organization also announced that human rights observers would monitor demonstrations during the summit.

Nearly 23,000 personnel deployed for security

Police have placed units in Metro Manila, Central Luzon and Calabarzon under full alert beginning November 13, with the heightened security posture expected to remain until November 19.

The PNP has deployed more than 19,000 personnel, supported by over 3,000 members of other government agencies, bringing the combined security deployment to nearly 23,000.

Personnel are assigned to summit venues, hotels, transportation routes, crowd management and emergency response.

Police spokesperson Brigadier General Allen Rae Co previously said authorities were monitoring low-level security concerns, including possible disorderly conduct, but had not identified any major threat to the summit.

The 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits will bring Southeast Asian leaders and international partners to Metro Manila for meetings scheduled from November 16 to 18.

The PNP has maintained that security operations must protect visiting delegates and the general public while allowing Filipinos to exercise their constitutional right to peaceful assembly.