The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) commended its officers and progressive groups for peaceful conduct during the September 21 anti-corruption rallies.

“We are pleased that these preparations, together with the cooperation of protest organizers and participants, contributed to the peaceful conduct of the demonstrations. The NCRPO's objective was never to prevent the exercise of the people's rights, but to provide a secure environment where those rights could be exercised responsibly and peacefully,” NCRPO Officer-In-Charge PBGen. Christopher Abrahano said.

The preparations Abrahano spoke of include the deployment of over 15,000 cops across Metro Manila to ensure public safety, peace, and order, facilitate the movement of pedestrians and traffic, and to allow protesters to stage demonstrations peacefully.

Abrahano commended all police personnel who exercised discipline, patience, and professionalism during the rallies.

“Their presence, coupled with the consistent application of maximum tolerance, helped ensure that public safety was maintained while respecting the rights of demonstrators,” Abrahano said.

Likewise, he thanked the protest organizers and participants for their cooperation with authorities, and helping maintain peace and order.

“Your cooperation demonstrates that the right to peaceful assembly and the responsibility to preserve public safety can go hand in hand,” he added.

According to an evening report by RH 23 Edwin Duque, thousands of protesters dispersed, leaving Claro M. Recto Avenue by around 6:20 p.m.