MANILA – Security measures and nationwide police deployments helped ensure peaceful Independence Day celebrations and protest actions across the Philippines on Friday, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. confirmed that all public assemblies and localized demonstrations held in connection with the 128th Independence Day remained peaceful, with no significant incidents reported.
He noted that police units across the country continue to monitor the situation closely in accordance with directives from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla.
The PNP had earlier raised all regional and national support units to full alert status in preparation for the national holiday.
Roughly 89,000 police personnel were deployed nationwide to secure major gatherings, including ceremonial events, protest actions, transportation hubs, and popular public destinations expected to draw large crowds.
Authorities emphasized the importance of maintaining maximum police visibility and exercising restraint while enforcing crowd management protocols in sensitive areas.
The police organization also continues to coordinate with local government units and other stakeholders to sustain security operations and ensure public safety throughout the Independence Day observance.
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