Two Arrested, Seven Police Injured During 40th Edsa People Power Anniversary Protests
The Quezon City Police District was deployed to secure activities around the Edsa Shrine and People Power Monument along Edsa on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, marking the 40th anniversary of the Edsa People Power Revolution. During the commemorations, two protesters were arrested following demonstrations that turned confrontational near the shrine.
Police Detail Incident of Lane Occupation and Scuffle
In a press briefing, Philippine National Police (PNP) Directorate for Operations acting chief Police Brigadier General Rogelio Peñones explained that several unruly protesters attempted to occupy a lane designated solely for motor vehicles, leading to a physical altercation. "This happened during the preparations before the activity at the Edsa Shrine began," Peñones stated. "They wanted to occupy the entire southbound lane, so our strategy earlier—part of ensuring public safety—was to make sure the flow of traffic would not be affected. We asked them to move aside and occupy only one lane. Most of them complied, but there was a small group that refused to cooperate and ended up starting the commotion and assaulting our police personnel."
National Capital Region Police Office Director Major General Anthony Aberin reported that seven policemen sustained injuries during the altercation, highlighting the intensity of the clash.
Maximum Tolerance Exercised Despite Lack of Permits
Peñones emphasized that police personnel deployed in the area exercised maximum tolerance throughout the incident. He noted that the protesters occupying the Edsa Shrine did not possess rally permits, unlike those holding programs at the Edsa People Power Monument, who had secured authorization from the local government. "Our Chief PNP's directive of maximum tolerance is still in place," Peñones affirmed. "We still allowed them to express their sentiments, provided that they did not cause any trouble."
At the peak of the protest, the crowd size reached approximately 6,000 individuals, which Peñones described as fewer than in previous years, suggesting a potential decline in turnout for such events.
Overall Peaceful Commemoration Maintained
Despite these isolated incidents, the PNP maintained that the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Edsa People Power Revolution remained generally peaceful. The police's focus on public safety and traffic management, coupled with their adherence to maximum tolerance protocols, helped prevent further escalation. The events underscore the ongoing challenges in balancing protest rights with public order during significant national anniversaries.
