The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said that the country's observance of the 38th annual celebration of the EDSA People Power Revolution was manageable and generally peaceful, despite reports of police harassment of activists.
During a press briefing, PNP Chief General Benjamin Acorda Jr. said that cops were deported accordingly in Manila and there were no untoward incidents that occurred during the celebration, including the traffic flow.
In Cebu, as said by Acorda, only 5,000 of the expected 40,000 people showed up to commemorate the annual celebration, which made it easier for the police officers to manage.
He said that about 41,000 personnel were deployed nationwide to ensure public security during the anniversary activities.
With regards to the harassment against activists, the PNP official gave no direct answer and said that they were only fulfilling their duties and suppressing the rights of the activists was not their intention, adding that they are also mandating to impose such provisions of the law.
On the other hand, several progressive groups from Laguna and Cavite who participated in the protest on February 25 claimed that the police blocked them at checkpoints, adding that they were discouraged from joining the EDSA-related activities.
