Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. defended the police response to a teachers’ rally near Malacañang ahead of World Teachers’ Day, saying the gathering outside a designated protest area constituted an illegal assembly.

Nartatez made the statement after the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines reported that several teachers were hurt when police dispersed a lightning rally on Sunday, Oct. 4.

The PNP chief said police did not prevent the teachers from expressing their grievances but instead implemented security measures consistent with existing protocols.

“Pupunta dapat sila sa Freedom Park, doon sila… maski maghapon pa. Syempre nandiyan pa rin ang pulis,” Nartatez said.

He added that rallies with permits should be held at the designated Freedom Park.

“[Kung] ang rally ay may permit, pumunta ka sa Freedom Park. Other than that it is called illegal assembly,” he said.

The rally was held a day before World Teachers’ Day, which is observed annually on Oct. 5.