MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday said it would not disperse people who attended the assembly in EDSA Shrine, as the gathering remained peaceful. 

PCol. Mary Grace Madayag said around 250 personnel were deployed around the EDSA Shrine as of 9:30 p.m. some of whom came from the Quezon City Police District, Mandaluyong Police Station, and Regional Mobile Force Batallion from the NCRPO.

“Walang order sa amin na i-disperse ang grupo na yan kasi sila ay malayang nagpapahayag ng kanilang saloobin. Wala naman, at hindi sila nag-ooccupy ng isang public area,” PCol. Madayag said.

Asked if the gathering had a permit, the head of Mandaluyong police said the EDSA Shrine is not part of Mandaluyong and is a private property.

“I just don’t know if mayroon silang permit coming from Quezon City local government unit but for Mandaluyong City wala silang permit na kinuha sa atin,” she said.

“Kaya lang naman na-deploy ang police officers dito ay for general public safety and security concerns. Para ma-check at ma-assist natin ang normal commuters natin. Kung mag-camp sila ng 3 days, nasakanila yun,” she added.

PCol. Madayag said the number of individuals who attended the event reached 600 around 4 p.m. but they were already down to around 150 around 9 p.m.

Earlier Tuesday, individuals and groups gathered in front of EDSA Shrine to air their criticisms against President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr's administration, with some saying it was time for the president to address high food prices and other alleged corruption issues.

This came amid the rift between the Dutertes and Marcos, Jr. with several supporters of the former urging the public to hold their own people power movement to express their dissatisfaction with the government.