The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said that activities marking the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution were “generally peaceful.”
This was despite tension at a police blockade, reported injuries among police personnel, and the arrest of some protesters.
“The EDSA anniversary and Trillion Peso March have concluded without any major untoward incident. Overall, the activities were generally peaceful,” PNP chief Jose Melencio. Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.
Around 8,750 people joined gatherings in various parts of the country, including the EDSA Shrine, People Power Monument, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, University of the Philippines Diliman, Ermita and Intramuros in Manila, and Pureza Street, among others.
To secure the events, the PNP deployed around 14,000 personnel nationwide.
PNP Directorate for Operations chief Police Brigadier General Ponce Rogelio Peñones earlier said that a small group allegedly threw objects at cops before the program started at the EDSA Shrine.
Authorities arrested two individuals who were placed in police custody.
At least three police officers sustained minor injuries, including bruises, lacerations, and concussion, according to Peñones.
Peñones said the arrested protesters may face complaints such as direct assault, resistance and disobedience to a person in authority, alarm and scandal, and violations of local ordinances.
He said the confrontation stemmed from efforts to manage traffic along the southbound lane of EDSA near Ortigas, where some protesters without a permit allegedly tried to occupy the entire southbound lane.
According to the police, the group was allowed to proceed on one lane and use a smaller vehicle with a public address system after a truck they intended to use as a stage was stopped to prevent traffic paralysis.—AOL, GMA Integrated News
