Nelson Morales

Protesters from various women’s groups gather at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila on March 8, 2026, to mark International Women’s Day. The groups called for higher wages, the protection of women’s rights, and government accountability amid rising living costs and other issues affecting Filipino women.
Tension arose after demonstrators attempted to breach a police barricade along the route leading to the US Embassy.


Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News

Protesters from various women’s groups gather at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila on March 8, 2026, to mark International Women’s Day. The groups called for higher wages, the protection of women’s rights, and government accountability amid rising living costs and other issues affecting Filipino women.
Tension arose after demonstrators attempted to breach a police barricade along the route leading to the US Embassy.

Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN's DAY 2026

Karen De Guzman

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177305005532820260308-international-womens-day-protest-MT31.jpg" style="width:960px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Protesters from various women’s groups gather at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila on March 8, 2026, to mark International Women’s Day. The groups called for higher wages, the protection of women’s rights, and government accountability amid rising living costs and other issues affecting Filipino women. Tension arose after demonstrators attempted to breach a police barricade along the route leading to the US Embassy. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News</div>MANILA —  The Manila Police District (MPD) maintained that officers exercised &#x27;maximum tolerance&#x27; after clashes erupted between protesters and law enforcers in Manila as demonstrators attempted to march toward the US Embassy. MPD spokesperson Maj. Philipp Ines said authorities blocked the group along Kalaw Avenue on Sunday after they attempted to proceed to the US Embassy, which is a designated “no rally zone.”Ines said protesters were advised to hold their demonstration at Liwasang Bonifacio, a freedom park where permits are not required for public assemblies.“Meron talagang freedom park ang lungsod ng Maynila. ‘Yung lugar na ‘yun [sa Kalaw], hindi talaga sila bibigyan ng permit doon. Doon nila gusto pumunta sa US Embassy. Matatagpuan ‘yan sa kahabaan ng Roxas Boulevard,” Ines said.He said no rally permits are issued for areas near the embassy along Roxas Boulevard, prompting police to prevent the group from advancing to the area.Ines said police initially attempted to engage the protesters through dialogue but tensions escalated when some demonstrators allegedly attacked officers.Photos presented by the MPD showed several protesters appearing to punch and swarm police personnel during the confrontation.One female police officer reportedly sustained minor injuries in the incident.Despite the situation, Ines said the police deployed a humanitarian engagement team tasked with negotiating and ensuring that law enforcement actions complied with legal and human rights standards.“Meron kaming negotiator, kasama ‘yung ating legal officer, kasama rin ‘yung human rights, kumpleto kami. Kung may mga usaping legal, meron kaming abogado. Pinatingnan din ng aming human rights officer kung may nalalabag ba tayo karapatang pantao,” he explained.Ines said the MPD recognizes the public’s right to free expression but urged demonstrators to also consider the rights of other citizens affected by protests.“Mataas ang pag-respeto natin sa kanilang kalayaang mamahayag. Pero patuloy natin sinasabi sa kanila, respeto din naman natin ‘yung mga kababayan natin.”The MPD also raised concern over vandalism observed in several parts of Manila following the protest, including graffiti on walls in areas such as Lagusnilad.He said the matter may be referred to the Manila local government, which will determine whether charges will be filed against those responsible.The MPD also appealed to individuals circulating videos of the confrontation to cooperate with authorities and help clarify what transpired during the incident.<div>Police action condemned</div>Women’s group Gabriela, however, condemned the police response during the protest, which coincided with International Women’s Day.In a statement, the group rejected the police claim that authorities merely exercised “maximum tolerance,” arguing that the confrontation stemmed from police efforts to block the protest route and prevent demonstrators from reaching the US Embassy.Gabriela asserted that women have the right to march and protest, particularly on International Women’s Day, and criticized what it described as attempts by authorities to restrict where protests can be held.“Naninindigan kami na hindi ito usapin ng ‘pag-exercise ng maximum tolerance’, usapin ito kung bakit pilit na pinipigilan ng kapulisan at ng administrasyong Marcos Jr. ang pagpapahayag ng kababaihan ng aming mga panawagan,” the statement read.The group also accused police of misrepresenting the events and insisted that demonstrators faced heavy police presence and pressure that hindered their protest.“Ipinapalabas nilang mapayapa at disiplinado ang kanilang mga pwersa, ngunit alam ng lahat ng naroon ang tunay na kalagayan: ang pagharang sa ating ruta, ang makapal nilang presensya, at ang sistematikong panggigipit upang hadlangan ang ating protesta.”Despite the incident, Gabriela said they will continue to assert their right to assemble and express their grievances.Police are monitoring announcements of another large protest scheduled on March 27, saying they are prepared to maintain peace and order should the activity push through.

The Manila Police District (MPD) maintained that officers exercised 'maximum tolerance' after clashes erupted between protesters and law enforcers in Manila as demonstrators attempted to march toward the US Embassy.

The Manila Police District (MPD) maintained that officers exercised 'maximum tolerance' after clashes erupted between protesters and law enforcers in Manila as demonstrators attempted to march toward the US Embassy.

Tensions flare at Manila protest; police say ‘maximum tolerance’ observed

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Tensions flare at Manila protest; police say ‘maximum tolerance’ observed

Karen De Guzman,

ABS-CBN News

Published March 09, 2026 05:55 PM PHT

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protest

Manila Police District

US Embassy

Gabriela

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