By: Itchie G. Cabayan
DUE to the violence that marred the Labor Day activities last May1, 2026 at the corner of T.M. Kalaw Avenue and Roxas Boulevard in Emita, Manila, the Manila Police District (MPD) recommended that the Office of the City Prosecutor subject to preliminary investigation nine individuals for various “public order violations.”
It was learned from MPD Acting Director PBGen. Arnold Santiago that the charges filed were violations for Article 153 of the Revised Penal Code (Tumults and Other Disturbances of Public Order), disturbances of public officers or their agents in the performance of their duties; Batas Pambansa Blg. 880 (The Public Assembly Act of 1985) particularly public assembly without the necessary permit and committing prohibited acts under the said law; at Article 293 (Robbery) of the Revised Penal Code.
Based on the complaint, some protesters sowed violence and even tried to dismantle the barricades put up in the area by the Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) contingents.
During the said incident, it was also reported that a policeman was punched and his cellphone was stolent, even as another cop was also attacked resulting in the two policemen’s having sustained bodily injuries.
The protesters also reportedly burned effigies and then tried to stop personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) who responded to put out the fire.
Meantime, the MPD maintained that while they respect the Constitutional rights of the protesters, they went beyond what is allowed by law as peaceful assembly.
“Santiago said: “Our police personnel are mandated to exercise maximum tolerance. However, when the actions of certain individuals cross the line into unlawfulness and create undue tumult or danger to the public and our police officers, the MPD will not hesitate to enforce the law. Let us work together to keep the City of Manila safe, vibrant and orderly for all.”
