Iloilo City Observes 40th Edsa People Power Anniversary with Orderly Gathering
On February 25, 2026, around 2,000 individuals convened at Jaro Plaza in Iloilo City to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Edsa People Power Revolution. The event, which lasted from 8 a.m. to 6:40 p.m., was characterized by police as peaceful and orderly, with no major incidents reported.
Police Commend Public Cooperation for Violence-Free Outcome
Police Colonel Wilbert Parilla, officer-in-charge of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO), attributed the successful and violence-free commemoration to the cooperation of the public and their respect for the rule of law. "We commend everyone, particularly the participants and organizers, for their respect for the law and their practice of peaceful assembly. These laudable actions contributed to achieving our goal of a violence-free celebration with zero major Edsa-related incidents in Iloilo City," Parilla stated.
Strategic Police Deployment Ensures Safety
In preparation for the event, Parilla ordered the strategic deployment of police personnel, including mobile patrol units and anti-crowd disturbance management teams. This proactive measure aimed to ensure public safety and enable immediate response to any unauthorized mass actions or disruptions. Police maintained that all operations were conducted with strict adherence to human rights standards.
No Major Incidents Reported Across the City
Assessment and monitoring reports from the City Tactical Operations Center (CTOC) confirmed that no major Edsa-related incidents occurred in Iloilo City during the commemoration period. Authorities noted that the mass mobilization at Jaro Plaza had secured the necessary permits, and no other Edsa-related activities were monitored in other areas of the city.
Coordination and Compliance Key to Orderly Observance
The orderly observance of the anniversary was largely due to effective coordination between event organizers and law enforcement agencies, as well as compliance with established guidelines for public assemblies. Police remained on high alert throughout the day to maintain peace and order while respecting the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
The 40th Edsa People Power Anniversary marks a historic political event in the Philippines, symbolizing the nation's commitment to democracy and peaceful protest. The successful commemoration in Iloilo City underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between the community and authorities in upholding public safety during significant national events.
