'Maximum tolerance': MPD defends response as Martial Law protest turns violent
The Manila Police District (MPD) issued an official statement on its intensified security operations across the city on Sunday, Sept. 21, as thousands gathered to mark the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law.
Despite the outbreak of violence in several protest sites, the MPD maintained that law enforcement personnel exercised “maximum tolerance” in handling the demonstrations.
According to Police Brig. Gen. Arnold E. Abad, acting district director, MPD personnel were deployed to Luneta Park, Malacañang Palace, Ayala Bridge, Chino Roces Bridge in Mendiola, Liwasang Bonifacio, the US Embassy, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Central Office, and other key locations.
The deployment was supported by units from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion, other NCRPO police districts, Police Regional Offices 3 and 4A, the Special Action Force, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Philippine Coast Guard, and other government agencies.
Authorities reported that the demonstrations turned violent when masked protesters began stomping, pushing, and throwing stones, barricades, glass bottles, and foul-smelling liquid mixed with paint at PNP Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) contingents.
Protesters also allegedly set fire to a 10-wheel trailer truck and a parked motorcycle near the intersection of Ayala and Romualdez Streets.
At Mendiola, protesters were accused of hurling debris and Molotov cocktails, damaging government property, and burning placards and tarpaulins.
Police and firefighters responded quickly and contained the situation.