Nartatez defends arrest of 'unruly' EDSA 40 participants
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Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Thursday stood firm on the arrest of two individuals who were among the group that clashed with authorities during the observance of the EDSA People Power event in Quezon City Wednesday.
In a statement, Nartatez said police officers on the ground were under strict instructions to observe maximum tolerance. However, such instructions are considered moot and academic when “our personnel are physically assaulted or when the safety of the public is at risk.”
“We must act to restore order,” the PNP chief said.
He also noted that the force used to arrest these two individuals was only the minimum amount necessary to subdue them and prevent further injury to both the protesters and the police.
Two protesters, a man and a woman, both of legal age, were arrested for allegedly hurling stones at police officers and disrupting traffic along the southbound lane of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue leading to EDSA Shrine during the anniversary rites.
The PNP clarified that policemen on the ground were not preventing the rally from proceeding and had only requested that protesters limit their occupation to one lane to avoid snarling traffic.
“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,” Nartatez said.
He also cited that three police officers suffered minor injuries such as bruises and cuts.
The two arrested individuals face charges for direct assault, resistance and disobedience to a person in authority, alarm and scandal, and violation of the Public Assembly Act.
“The EDSA anniversary and Trillion Peso March have concluded without any major untoward incident. Overall, the activities were generally peaceful,” said Nartatez.
The PNP said the smooth conduct of both the EDSA People Power Revolution anniversary and Trillion Peso March demonstrated the cooperation between organizers, participants, and police forces in promoting safe and disciplined 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.
