MANILA, Philippines — The twin rallies in Manila’s Rizal Park marking the 46th anniversary of martial law were generally peaceful, a police official said yesterday.
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Guillermo Eleazar said no untoward incident happened during the rallies staged by anti- and pro-Duterte groups.
“The leaders abided by the guidelines we agreed upon during our dialogues prior to the event,” said Eleazar in an interview.
Eleazar and Chief Supt. Rolando Anduyan of the Manila Police District also inspected the anti-riot squads to prevent hecklers from causing trouble.
According to Eleazar, at least 3,000 anti-Duterte protesters gathered at Roxas Boulevard while 2,500 Duterte sympathizers showed up in front of the Quirino Grandstand.
But as of 5 p.m. yesterday, the crowd thinned out, said Eleazar.
Eleazar added it was agreed upon that they would disperse peacefully by 7 p.m.
The NCRPO chief said the 4,000 anti-riot policemen deployed for the event were allowed to go home after the park was cleared of protesters.