The National Capital Region Police Office has denied reports circulating online that two people died during rallies in Metro Manila marking the 54th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law.
The protests were held on September 21, with groups gathering in different parts of Metro Manila to commemorate the anniversary and raise various political and social concerns. The NCRPO said its real-time monitoring and reports from personnel on the ground showed no fatalities or casualties during the demonstrations.
“There was a brief moment of tension,” the NCRPO said, but added that the situation was quickly resolved through dialogue and the strict observance of maximum tolerance. Police described the overall rallies as peaceful and orderly.
NCRPO spokesperson Police Major Hazel Asilo clarified that two individuals were arrested in the Recto area of Manila in connection with vandalism during the demonstrations. The two were released several hours later after being warned about their actions.
The clarification came after a social media post claimed that two protesters had died during the rallies. Police urged the public to verify such reports with authorities before sharing them, particularly when unverified information could cause unnecessary alarm.
The September 21 demonstrations took place amid heightened security preparations. The PNP deployed more than 17,000 personnel nationwide, including more than 15,000 in Metro Manila, while the NCRPO was placed on full alert.
In Metro Manila alone, police monitored 14 rallies and assemblies involving an estimated 1,620 participants. The PNP said the monitored gatherings across the country had concluded peacefully as of 6:30 p.m. on September 21.
Police had been preparing for the anniversary in part because demonstrations on the same date in 2025 were marred by violence. Authorities said about 200 protesters were arrested during last year’s incidents, while 95 police officers were injured.
This year’s police deployment included crowd-control units and body-worn cameras, with officers instructed to observe maximum tolerance while responding to incidents that could threaten public safety.
The anniversary rallies also drew attention beyond the historical commemoration, with protest groups raising issues including government accountability, alleged corruption, political dynasties, wages and civil rights.
For now, the NCRPO’s position is that there were no deaths during the September 21 demonstrations in Metro Manila. The police agency has urged the public to rely on verified information as reports about the rallies continue to circulate online.
