MANILA, Philippines — Five protesters were arrested and two others were injured in clash with police at the Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila on Sunday as the rallyists attempt to push their way into the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City where the 49th Asean Summit and Related Summits is being held.
The melee happened after the Philippine National Police (PNP) called on demonstrators to show the country's tradition of courtesy and respect toward guests as the Philippines welcomed foreign leaders to the summit.
Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. PNP chief appealed for peaceful and responsible expression of views amid planned protest actions during the regional gathering.
“Filipinos are known for our hospitality and respect for our guests. We can disagree with their leaders and their policies but let us express those differences peacefully and responsibly because our freedom to protest should never come at the expense of our values as a people. We can stand firm in our convictions without being discourteous to our visitors,” Nartatez said in a statement.
Several groups said they were preparing demonstrations tied to the summit, including protests against the visit of United States President Donald Trump. Student groups also announced walkout activities while transport group PISTON scheduled a transport strike during the summit period.
Nartatez emphasized that the PNP recognizes and respected the constitutional right of citizens to peaceful assembly. He urged organizers to coordinate with local authorities and comply with existing laws governing public gatherings to ensure public safety and order.
The PNP cited Batas Pambansa Blg. 880, or the Public Assembly Act of 1985, which sets the rules for public demonstrations and permit requirements, subject to specific exemptions under the law.
To support this effort, Nartatez instructed police commanders to ensure that all police actions remained lawful, impartial, and professional throughout the summit period. “Our personnel must remain calm, impartial, and guided by the rule of law at all times. We are there to secure the public, not to suppress legitimate dissent,” he said.
The PNP placed police units in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon under full alert status from Nov. 13 to 19 as part of security preparations for the summit. Nearly 23,000 security personnel, including more than 19,000 police officers, were deployed to secure venues, hotels, transportation routes, and other key locations during the summit.
Nartatez also ordered all concerned police commanders to maintain operational readiness for emergencies, traffic disruptions, and potential security incidents while ensuring that any police intervention is supported by clear legal grounds.
