Jauhn Etienne Villaruel

House lawmakers and groups gather at the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City on February 25, 2026, marking the 40th anniversary of the 1986 People Power Revolution. The ceremony honored the legacy of the peaceful uprising that restored democracy in the Philippines. Akbayan party-list

Article (news)

Karen De Guzman

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1771993073642viber_image_2026-02-25_11-42-10_cropped_processed_by_imagy.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">House lawmakers and groups gather at the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City on February 25, 2026, marking the 40th anniversary of the 1986 People Power Revolution. The ceremony honored the legacy of the peaceful uprising that restored democracy in the Philippines. Akbayan party-list</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>MANILA<strong> (UPDATE) </strong>— The Philippine National Police (PNP) will implement “maximum tolerance” toward protesters who will join programs and rallies marking the 40th commemoration of the EDSA People Power Revolution on Wednesday.</p><p>According to Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr., acting director of the PNP Directorate for Operations, more than 4,000 police personnel have been deployed to secure areas along EDSA and other parts of Manila City.</p><p>“Ang center talaga ng activity ay ‘yung sa People Power Monument. But then, naglagay din tayo ng karagdagan na personnel doon sa part ng Ayala Bridge and, doon sa Mendiola dahil iniiwasan natin ‘yung nangyari ng mga nakaraan na kung saan may mga ibang grupo na ‘yung objective talaga na makarating sa Malacañang,” Peñones said.</p><p>Activities at the People Power Monument began at 7:00 a.m., with the influx of participants expected from 10:00 a.m. until the end of the programs at around 5:00 p.m.</p><p>National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin noted that the early hours of the anniversary have remained orderly.</p><p>&quot;Generally peaceful po tayo at wala pa po insidente na or krimen na pwede maka apekto sa celebration,&quot; Aberin stated, reassuring the public that no significant threats have been detected.</p><p>Three groups — Tindig Pilipinas, SIKLAB, and the Trillion Peso March Movement — were allowed to consolidate in one stage area.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FabscbnNEWS%2Fvideos%2F3165792460271888%2F&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=560&amp;t=0" width="560" height="429" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></div><p>“For the last week, mayroong series of negotiations, may pag-uusap na. Bagat magkakaiba ‘yung kanyang pahayag, dapat maayos pa rin at matiwasay ‘yung activity na ito,” Peñones added.</p><p>He stressed that the directive of chief PNP Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. is clear: maximum tolerance.</p><p>“Kanya-kanya kasi ang pamamahayag, may kanya-kanyang pamamaraan. Napakaliwanag ng instruction ng ating chief PNP, talagng maximum tolerance kung anuman ‘yung batas, nararapat ‘yun lang ang ating ipapakita.”</p><p>However, Peñones warned that the PNP is ready to enforce the law if protesters commit violations, including seditious acts.</p><p>“Meron tayong mga nagra-rally kahit walang permit sa atin na pinagbibigyan natin sila for as long as hindi sila manggulo. Meron naman tayong negotiators on the ground. Hindi naman outright porket na wala kang permit, papaalisin kaagad. So, napag-uusapan lahat ‘yan,” he said.</p><p>“‘Pag may violation of law na mga seditious, of course the PNP is ready to implement what is ‘yung mandato, lalong-lalong kung baka may mga magsusunog na naman. The PNP will enforce the law based on our given mandate,” he added.</p><p>He also appealed to participants to exercise their right to free expression responsibly.</p><p>PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said the presence of police personnel in the gatherings is meant to ensure order and public safety.</p><p>“Ang presensya ng miyembro ng Philippine National Police sa mga nasabing pagtitipon ay may kaugnayan sa kaayusan at kaligtasan ng lahat. Ginagalang ng Philippine National Police ang peaceful assembly,” Tuaño said.</p><p>In a separate statement, Nartatez said the PNP joins the nation in commemorating the EDSA People Power Revolution, describing the historic event in February 1986 as a meaningful chapter in the country’s journey.</p><p>“This historic moment in February 1986 remains a meaningful chapter in our country’s journey—one that highlights the power of unity, peaceful action, and shared aspirations for a better Philippines,” he said.</p><p>“As we reflect on this milestone, we honor the enduring hopes of the Filipino people for a nation grounded in democratic principles, accountability, and respect for the rule of law.”</p><p>The police organization said it remains steadfast in fulfilling its constitutional mandate with professionalism, impartiality, and full respect for human rights.</p><p>“In unity and mutual respect, we continue to serve and move forward together as one nation.” <strong>— With a report from Bea Cuadra, ABS-CBN News</strong></p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO</strong></div><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x5fGAS7BfM0?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>More than 4,000 police personnel have been deployed to secure areas along EDSA and other parts of Manila City.</p>

More than 4,000 police personnel have been deployed to secure areas along EDSA and other parts of Manila City.

PNP to implement ‘maximum tolerance’ during 40th EDSA People Power commemoration

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PNP to implement ‘maximum tolerance’ during 40th EDSA People Power commemoration

Karen De Guzman,

ABS-CBN News

Published February 25, 2026 09:28 AM PHT

|

Updated February 25, 2026 12:18 PM PHT

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People Power Monument

EDSA Anniversary

Quezon City

PNP

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