Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Tuesday defended the arrest of two protesters during the 40th anniversary commemoration of the People Power Revolution along EDSA, saying police were forced to act after some rallyists allegedly assaulted officers and disrupted public order.

Nartatez said the police observed “maximum tolerance” but had to apprehend individuals who reportedly attacked authorities and caused disturbances at EDSA-Ortigas on February 25. He described the force used as “minimal” on both sides of the protesters and the police.

According to the PNP, the group that blocked a portion of EDSA had no rally permit, which led to heightened tension at the site. Seven police officers were reported injured during the incident. The two arrested protesters are facing charges of direct assault, resistance and disobedience to a person in authority, alarm and scandal, and violation of Batas Pambansa Blg. 880, or the Public Assembly Act of 1985.

The annual EDSA commemoration, marking four decades since the 1986 uprising that restored democracy, drew various civic groups and activists calling for government accountability and reforms.