Thousands of rallyists fill a stretch of EDSA on June 28, joining the White Ribbon March led by religious and civil society groups. (Photos courtesy of QCPD)
The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported that the White Ribbon March, an anti-corruption protest led by religious organizations and civil society groups, attended by thousands of protesters on Sunday, June 28, remained generally peaceful and orderly.
The Quezon City Police District estimated the crowd at the People Power Monument along EDSA in Quezon City at around 3,600.
Participants marched from the EDSA Shrine to the People Power Monument in Quezon City following a Holy Mass attended by church leaders, advocates, and supporters.
PNP Chief, Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said reports from commanders on the ground showed that participants exercised their constitutional right to peaceful assembly in an orderly manner.
"Based on our real-time monitoring and reports from commanders on the ground, the White Ribbon March has remained generally peaceful and orderly. Participants have been exercising their right to peaceful assembly responsibly while our personnel continue to ensure public safety, maintain order, and facilitate the smooth flow of traffic without unnecessary disruption," Nartatez said.
The PNP said nearly 10,000 police personnel were deployed for the event, with concerned units placed under full alert from 5 p.m. on June 27 until 12:01 a.m. on June 29.
Police personnel from the National Capital Region Police Office, nearby police regional offices, and support units were assigned to secure key areas, including the People Power Monument, EDSA Shrine, Mendiola Peace Arch, Ayala Bridge, the US Embassy, major thoroughfares, transport routes, and other convergence areas.
The PNP said it also coordinated with the Quezon City government, march organizers, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, emergency responders, and other partner agencies to implement security and traffic management measures.
Nartatez commended the deployed police personnel for carrying out their duties with restraint, professionalism, discipline, and maximum tolerance, saying their visible presence and coordination with organizers helped maintain a peaceful environment while allowing participants to exercise their constitutional rights.
Organizers said the march aimed to encourage Filipinos to speak out against corruption and poor governance and to push for reforms.
Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, and Born Again Christians participated in the interfaith activit that called for honest leadership and accountability.