Edsa People Power celebration (Photo from Ryan Leagogo/INQUIRER.net dated Feb. 25, 2024)
MANILA, Philippines — Despite reports that activists have been “harassed” by the police, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Monday that the country’s observance of the 38th anniversary of the Edsa people power revolution was “manageable” and generally peaceful.
PNP chief General Benjamin Acorda Jr. likewise commended his personnel, pointing out that the celebrations in both Manila and Cebu yielded no untoward incidents.
“In Manila, we deployed accordingly, and the conduct of rallies were generally peaceful and yielded no untoward incidents; even the flow of traffic was not affected,” Acorda said in a mix of English and Filipino during a press briefing.
“In Cebu, although they were expecting 40,000, but only 5,000 showed up, it was very manageable,” he added.
According to Acorda, they deployed about 41,000 personnel nationwide to ensure public safety during the anniversary activities.
READ: Groups allege ‘harassment’ by police ahead of Edsa anniversary rites
The PNP official did not directly answer questions on the reported harassment against activists but said that they are just doing their jobs and it is not their intention to suppress any rights.
“We don’t intend to suppress any rights [but] with regards to violations that were out of line, I think it is also our mandate to implement such provisions of the law,” Acorda said.
On Sunday (February 25), several progressive groups from Laguna and Cavite that participated in protests claimed that they were blocked by police at checkpoints and were likewise “discouraged from joining” the Edsa-related activities.
One of the groups also claimed that jeepneys used to transport the activists in Los Baños and Sta. Rosa in Laguna and Bacoor City in Cavite were held at checkpoints for hours.