PNP defends handling of Malacañang protest

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday defended its handling of a protest near Malacañang, saying its officers followed established protocols amid reports of a physical confrontation with teachers and students a day before World Teachers’ Day.

“While reports have surfaced regarding the incident, we likewise recognize the presumption of regularity in the performance of official duties, pending the submission of official reports from the ground,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.

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Nartatez said initial information showed that police officers were implementing security measures based on existing procedures.

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

The Alliance of Concerned Teachers Philippines held the protest to demand a P50,000 entry-level salary for teachers, a P5,000 Personnel Economic Relief Allowance and government spending equivalent to 6% of gross domestic product on education.

Reports said a physical confrontation occurred between protesters and police deployed in the area.

Nartatez said the PNP recognized the protesters’ right to peacefully express their concerns but urged them to follow laws and lawful police instructions intended to ensure public safety.

“Our officers’ presence was not intended to prevent them from being heard but to ensure that their activities remain peaceful, orderly, and safe for everyone,” he said. /ja