The protests conducted by various groups nationwide in observance of Labor Day on Friday, May 1, were generally peaceful, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said, despite several incidents of confrontation between authorities and rallyists, including a protester punching a police officer and Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) units using a water cannon on some of the protesters.

In a statement, PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said at least nine rallies were monitored in different parts of the country which drew around 3,410 participants.

“Our Labor Day activities are proceeding smoothly and peacefully across the country. We thank our countrymen for their cooperation and discipline,” Nartatez said.

But netizens captured on video an incident where a rallyist clad in gray shirt and a face cover punched a police officer deployed for CDM.

“Nakakagigil. Assault upon an agent of authority (Infuriating. This is an assault upon an agent of authority),” the netizen said.

The PNP said the incident occured during a protest on Kalaw Avenue in Manila.

Meanwhile, a police officer sustained minor injuries when police and protest groups clashed at the corner of Kalaw and Roxas Boulevard.

The cop sustained a wound on the back of his neck when the rallyists and CDM contingents collided at the peak of their confrontation.

Another police officer was injured when rallyists allegedly tried to grab his riot shield and take it away from him, but he refused to give it up.

Still along Kalaw Avenue, CDM contingents were forced to fire a water cannon at the protesters after they allegedly attempted to break through the police line to proceed with their march, escalating tensions at the scene.

Police said the situation further escalated after some officers were allegedly attacked and pelted with stones by rallyists prior to the confrontation. A large effigy was also set on fire during the protest.

The mobile phone of a cop documenting the protest on Kalaw Street was also snatched by a protester, police said.

The PNP was placed on full alert status from April 30 to May 2 and deployed 106,000 personnel nationwide to secure various activities, including protest rallies and other public assemblies in key areas.

Nartatez said police personnel stayed on the ground throughout the day to manage crowd situations and prevent escalation.

“The PNP will remain on full alert throughout the day. We will continue to be on alert – not just to ensure security, but to support the safe and peaceful expression of our people’s concerns,” he added.