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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PNP cites MPD's restraint in handling West PH Sea protest

PNP cites MPD's restraint in handling West PH Sea protest

Published Jul 14, 2026 04:29 pm

At A Glance

  • The Philippine National Police commended the Manila Police District for its disciplined and restrained handling of a protest marking the 10th anniversary of the 2016 West Philippine Sea arbitral ruling.The rally along Kalaw Avenue ended peacefully despite protesters' attempt to march toward the US Embassy, with police setting up barricades and implementing temporary road closures to ensure public safety.PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the operation balanced the public's right to peaceful assembly with the need to protect critical facilities and maintain peace and order.
PNP Chief, Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. (File photo: PNP)
PNP Chief, Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. (File photo: PNP)
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday, July 14, commended the Manila Police District (MPD) for its “disciplined and restrained” handling of a protest in the capital city, marking the 10th anniversary of the 2016 arbitral ruling on the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The rally along Kalaw Avenue on Monday ended peacefully despite attempts by protesters to march toward the United States Embassy on Roxas Boulevard, said PNP Chief Police Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr.
“The Manila Police District demonstrated professionalism, discipline, and restraint in managing the protest,” Nartatez said.
The demonstration was organized by progressive groups to commemorate the landmark arbitral ruling issued on July 12, 2016, which invalidated China's sweeping nine-dash line claim and affirmed the Philippines' sovereign rights over parts of the WPS under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“Our personnel ensured public safety, respected the participants' right to peaceful assembly, and secured the diplomatic area without any reported injuries or arrests,” the PNP chief added.
Police set up barricades and temporarily closed a portion of Kalaw Avenue leading to Roxas Boulevard after demonstrators attempted to proceed toward the US Embassy. Authorities said the measures were intended to maintain public safety and manage traffic.
Nartatez said the peaceful conclusion of the protest reflected the discipline of police personnel while allowing protesters to exercise their constitutional rights.
“We commend everyone involved, including the organizers, for helping keep the activity peaceful,” he said.
“Our objective is always to facilitate the peaceful exercise of constitutional rights while maintaining public safety, protecting critical facilities, and minimizing disruption to the community through measured and lawful police action,” he added.

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PNP MPD Kalaw protest 2016 arbitral award West Philippine Sea
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