By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Wednesday defended the actions of police officers who dispersed protesters outside the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Pasay City, maintaining that law enforcers acted professionally and did not harass demonstrators or members of the media.
Speaking to reporters after the event, Nartatez rejected allegations that police used excessive force against rallyists, insisting that the protesters themselves provoked the confrontation.
“The rallyists were the ones provoking. Our police officers did not curse or harass anyone,” the PNP chief said.
He stressed that the demonstration was held in a designated no-rally zone surrounding the Philippine International Convention Center, where foreign dignitaries and ASEAN delegates were gathered for the regional summit.
Nartatez also pointed out that organizers allegedly failed to secure the required permits, adding that designated freedom parks remain available for lawful public assemblies.
The protest, organized by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) and allied progressive groups, opposed the proposed Pax Silica initiative, a United States-backed coalition aimed at strengthening global supply chains for semiconductors, critical minerals and artificial intelligence infrastructure.
Demonstrators likewise criticized plans to establish an AI manufacturing hub in New Clark City, Tarlac, citing concerns over possible community displacement and environmental impacts.
Tensions escalated when police moved to push protesters away from the security perimeter, an incident that also affected members of the media covering the rally.
According to the Photojournalists’ Center of the Philippines, veteran photojournalists Bullit Marquez and Rene Dilan were allegedly prevented by police officers from documenting arrests during the dispersal, while one of the journalists reportedly sustained damage to his camera equipment.
Asked about the reported incident, Nartatez advised the affected journalists to formally file complaints with the police so the matter could be investigated.
Earlier, the PNP announced that it had launched an internal investigation into the incident and vowed to impose appropriate administrative or legal sanctions should any personnel be found to have violated operational procedures or existing laws.
The ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was held under heightened security amid the expected participation of United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other senior foreign officials.
ia/xf
