Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Thursday defended the arrest of two protesters following a confrontation with police during the 40th anniversary of the People Power Revolution in Quezon City.
Nartatez said police were under strict orders to observe maximum tolerance during Wednesday’s commemoration along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), where groups gathered to mark the 1986 uprising that restored democracy.
“Our protocols are clear: we exercise maximum tolerance. However, when our personnel are physically assaulted or when public safety is at risk, we must act to restore order,” he said.
He maintained that the arrests were lawful and that only minimal force was used to subdue the individuals and prevent further injury to protesters and officers.
Responding to criticism, Nartatez said the PNP respects freedom of speech and peaceful assembly but stressed that these rights have limits. “Your rights end when violence begins,” he said.
Police said a man and a woman were arrested for allegedly throwing stones and disrupting traffic along the southbound lane of EDSA near the EDSA Shrine. They face charges including direct assault and violation of the Public Assembly Act.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Nartatez defends EDSA arrests: ‘Rights end when violence begins’”
