Tension rises during September 21 rally in Manila

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Tension rose during a September 21 protest in Manila on Monday, but police said no arrests were made as officers observed the government's maximum-tolerance policy.

At a press briefing, PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Allen Rae Co said the situation was quickly pacified after some individuals were restrained.

“They were just pacified and they were restrained from doing anything else but they were not actually arrested. They were released immediately,” Co said.

“So there were no arrests, in line with the maximum-tolerance policy ordered by our President,” he added.

The PNP said the rally situation remained generally peaceful and orderly.

As of around 11 a.m., police were monitoring three rallies involving approximately 350 participants in total. The activities were still ongoing.

Co said no permit applications had been filed for the monitored rallies.

The PNP reminded organizers that assemblies may be held without a permit in designated freedom parks.

For rallies held outside those areas, police said they would continue to observe the government's maximum-tolerance policy.

“If ever there will be a dispersal, it will be done in a peaceful manner,” Co said.

The September 21 rallies were held amid activities marking the 54th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law.— MCG, GMA News