PNP vows justice for cops injured in metro rallies

MANILA, Philippines — Stressing that violence has no place in a civilized society, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. vowed to hold accountable the people who assaulted seven PNP officers during the Labor Day protests in Manila on Friday.

Nartatez ordered investigators to identify the perpetrators and gather pieces of evidence for the filing of criminal charges.

“Our directive is clear: maximum tolerance. But this does not allow people to hurt or abuse our police officers who are doing their jobs,” Nartatez said in Filipino in a statement.

Brig. Gen. Arnold Santiago, Manila Police District chief, said the MPD legal team has identified the man who punched a policeman and stole his phone during the rally along Kalaw Avenue.

The suspect, according to MPD legal service chief Capt. Felino Nebato, was also among the rioters in Mendiola on Sept. 21, 2025.

“He was positively identified by the victim. He will be charged with robbery for stealing the cellphone, physical injuries and direct assault,” Nebato said.

In a video obtained by MPD, a man wearing a balaclava was seen punching a police officer during a face-off as the protesters head toward the US Embassy along Roxas Boulevard.

Six other police officers – all members of the civil disturbance management team assigned to secure the stretch of Kalaw Avenue – were also reportedly attacked.

The police officers were brought to the PNP General Hospital for treatment, including one who is under close observation due to injuries to the head.

Nartatez said that while the PNP respects the right to peaceful assembly, “it is unacceptable that rowdy demonstrators resorted to violence and physically harmed the police officers.”

Despite the incident, Nartatez said the rallies in Metro Manila and other parts of the country were peaceful.

Over 13,324 protesters were present at 58 rallies nationwide. — Andrew Ronquillo