SUNDAY’S 38th anniversary of the 1986 People Power Revolution was generally peaceful with protesters literally being outnumbered by security forces and street cleaners tasked to ensure peace and order in the country.

Philippine National Police chief, General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. commended his men who ensured security during the celebration as well as other major events in the country including the Panagbenga Festival in Baguio City.

The top cop said that with 41,000 personnel strategically positioned across various regions, the EDSA People’ Power anniversary and the Baguio City festival proceeded without any major incidents.

Gen. Acorda commended National Capital Region Police Office director, Major Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. for leading the security in Metro Manila during the EDSA rites which ended up peacefully with no untoward incident recorded and the flow of traffic unaffected.

In Cebu City, the PNP chief said they monitored plans by different groups to mass tens of thousands in the area to commemorate the EDSA event but less than 5,000 joined. “It was very manageable and there were no untoward incidents too in the city. Thus, I would like to congratulate Police Regional Office 7 director, Brigadier Gen. Anthony Aberin and his men for a job well done,” Gen. Acorda told newsmen at Camp Crame.

The PNP chief also said that although they don’t have the habit of breaking up peaceful rallies as they fully respect freedom of expression.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon