Aberin lauds Metro Manila cops for peaceful 2-day protests over flood control projects mess
Progressive groups staged a protest march from EDSA Shrine to the EDSA People Power Monument on Saturday, September 13, 2025, calling for accountability over corruption in flood control projects.(John Louie Abrina)
The two-day protest actions demanding accountability on the alleged irregularities in flood control projects were peaceful and orderly, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).
NCRPO director Maj. Gen. Anthony A. Aberin said they did not monitor any major incidents relating to peace and order during the rallies in Metro Manila that started on Friday, Sept. 12.
“Most of the gatherings were observed in Quezon City and were carried out in an orderly manner, and security coverage remained effective throughout the two-day period,” said Aberim.
“The presence of NCRPO was to ensure the safety of everyone and allow the people to exercise their rights to peaceably assemble and to freedom of expression while ensuring that these rights will be exercised within the bounds of the law,” he added.
At least seven protest actions were monitored in Metro Manila on Friday and Saturday amid public uproar on the massive corruption in government’s flood control projects, particularly in Bulacan.
Aberin said they deployed a sufficient number of policemen from district offices and support units.
At the same time, he said the focus on anti-criminality, investigation and other police interventions were also focused on.
Aberin attributed the peaceful conduct of protest actions to what he described as cooperation between the organizers and the police.
“I commend each member of NCRPO for delivering a safe, peaceful and orderly public gathering. Our presence secured the safety of everyone during the public gatherings and at the same time, allowed our fellow Filipinos to exercise their rights to peaceably assemble and to freedom of expression within the bounds of the law,” he said.