Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday called upon protesters and the general public to extend respect towards the uniformed personnel deployed to maintain peace and order, particularly during significant events such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meetings.

According to Philippines News Agency, PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. emphasized the importance of respecting police officers who are fulfilling their duties. He highlighted that while the PNP practices maximum tolerance during protests, no officer should be subjected to physical or verbal abuse. Nartatez stated, "Just like everybody, your police have a job to do, an order to comply with, and a mandate to perform. Any form of disrespect to our personnel on the ground is an attack to our uniform, to our badge, and to the PNP as an organization."

The statement followed an incident on Wednesday where six policemen were injured during the dispersal of protesters in Pasay City. The protests occurred in an area restricted for rallies due to the presence of foreign delegates attending the ASEAN meetings. The PNP was tasked with ensuring the safety of all delegates as part of the host country's obligations, receiving special instructions to secure the venue.

Gen. Nartatez explained the challenges faced by police in distinguishing protesters from the general public during the event, given the instruction to clear the area of protest activities. Despite the incident, the PNP remains open to investigations to establish the facts surrounding the event.

In a press conference at Camp Crame, PNP spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co described how around 30 individuals initiated a rally near the ASEAN meeting venue, designated as a no-rally zone. The resulting dispersal efforts led to a clash involving police, protesters, and media personnel, ultimately injuring six PNP members. An investigation into the events is currently underway.

Additionally, Col. Co mentioned ongoing PNP coordination with Iglesia ni Cristo regarding their 112th founding anniversary event, coinciding with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s State of the Nation Address on July 27. He assured that contingency plans are in place for the event, although specific details about the celebration location are still being confirmed.