Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla commended the 50,000 deployed Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel for exercising maximum tolerance and ensuring the generally peaceful conduct of the “Trillion Peso March” on Sunday.

“I would like to commend the PNP for their professionalism and discipline yesterday. They adhered to the law and followed their instructions,” Remulla stated. The protest, attended by around 84,000 individuals across 16 areas in Metro Manila and 130 areas nationwide, was largely peaceful despite some isolated incidents.

During a press briefing held by the Presidential Communications Office on Monday, Remulla emphasized that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had directed the PNP to act with maximum tolerance, deploying only basic gear and refraining from using firearms.

Aside from the SWAT teams deployed in specific areas, the 4,000 officers assigned to Manila did not discharge their weapons nor use tear gas, even when approximately 5,000 protesters set fire to a container truck at the corner of Mendiola and Legarda at 3:30 PM.

There were also reports of clashes, with around 1,000 activists throwing rocks, hurling Molotov cocktails, and physically confronting police and soldiers on duty. Other incidents included looting inside the SOGO hotel and the burning of a Starex van and two motorcycles.

“Nakakaawa po ang mga pulis natin. Binuhusan ng tubig galing sa kanal, binato ng halo block, binato ng molotov cocktail, nasusunog sa tabi nila. Pero ganun pa man, walang ginamit na dahas laban sa mga raliyista,” Remulla added, recognizing the resilience and restraint of the police in the face of such aggression.

Remulla revealed that the government had anticipated possible threats in the lead-up to the “Trillion Peso March,” particularly after receiving intelligence reports about a potential “Black Piece” assault on the Malacañang Palace.

In response, 400 plainclothes police officers were strategically deployed to secure Luneta Park from possible bomb threats and additional officers were stationed at LRT stations to monitor for firearms and explosives.

“We will not allow anarchy to prevail. We prepared thoroughly and our plan was successful,” he said.

As of Monday, 95 police officers had sustained injuries and were brought to the PSG station in Malacañang and the PNP General Hospital for treatment. In total, 216 protesters were arrested, including 127 adults and 89 minors, after the situation calmed.

The arrested adults are being held at the Manila Police District for processing and the filing of charges related to arson, grave physical injuries, and sedition. Meanwhile, of the 89 minors, 65 were aged 15-17 and classified as children in conflict with the law, while 24 minors were aged 14 and below, categorized as children at risk. The minors were taken into the care of the Department of Social Welfare and Development for further evaluation and to determine whether any of them would be tried as adults.

Original Article At: https://www.dilg.gov.ph/news/Remulla-commends-PNP-for-maximum-tolerance-generally-peaceful-Trillion-Peso-March/NC-2025-1204