PNP defends actions during teachers’ protest near Palace

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday defended the conduct of police officers who clashed with protesting teachers near Malacañang Palace, maintaining that security forces acted with restraint and in accordance with established operational protocols.

PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. addressed reports of physical confrontations between members of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) and police personnel stationed along access routes to the presidential palace during an 4 October demonstration, staged on the eve of World Teachers’ Day.

“Our personnel were performing their duties to maintain peace, public order, and security in accordance with established operational procedures,” Nartatez said.

“While reports have surfaced regarding the incident, we likewise recognize the presumption of regularity in the performance of official duties,” he added.

Demonstrators from ACT Philippines rallied to demand a P50,000 monthly entry-level salary for public school teachers, an increase in the monthly Personnel Economic Relief Allowance to P5,000, and an education budget allocation equivalent to 6 percent of the national gross domestic product.

Tensions flared when demonstrators attempted to breach security lines and move closer to the Malacañang complex, prompting police officers to block the advance.

Following the confrontation, National Capital Region Police Office officer-in-charge Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano placed all Metro Manila police units on heightened alert to secure critical government installations and access roads.

“I have directed our police commanders to maintain heightened situational awareness, strengthen coordination and intelligence monitoring, and ensure sufficient police presence around critical government installations,” Abrahano said.

He also stressed that officers were instructed to exercise maximum tolerance and respect human rights during public assemblies.

Police officials said law enforcement maintained the perimeter without making arrests or suffering major injuries, permitting the demonstration to conclude after the retreat from security barriers.