Metro Manila, Philippines – Authorities arrested 51 people during protests on Monday, July 27, the day of the State of the Nation Address (SONA), the police said.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief PGen Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the arrests stemmed from alleged violations of local ordinances and special laws, including Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act and Presidential Decree 880 or the Public Assembly Act.
Meanwhile, the PNP gave an assessment on security in and around the Batasan Pambansa complex where the SONA took place.
“Generally peaceful yung kabuuan ng ating security operations dito sa Commonwealth,” said Metro Manila police chief PMGen Anthony Aberin, referring to the road approaching the complex.
[Translation: The overall security operations here in Commonwealth were generally peaceful.]
Aberin said the arrests were part of police responsibility to enforce the law.
“Yung pagkakaaresto, parte ng trabaho natin,” he added.
[Translation: The arrests are part of our job.]
Earlier in the day, groups staged protests in parts of Metro Manila against environmental concerns and corruption.
The PNP reminded protesters to keep rallies peaceful and to comply with the law.
