Camille Naredo

The Philippine National Police headquarters in Quezon City. 

The Philippine National Police headquarters in Quezon City. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

Karen De Guzman

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it fully respects the court decision acquitting six youths arrested during the 2024 Labor Day rally in Manila, calling the ruling an important reminder to law enforcers to uphold due process and the rights of protesters.Acting PNP chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. on Sunday acknowledged the Metropolitan Trial Court of Manila&#x27;s ruling, which cleared the young activists who were apprehended on May 1, 2024 along T.M. Kalaw Street as they called for regular employment and a national living wage.Nartatez said the police organization takes note of concerns on how the arrests were carried out.&quot;Bagama&#x27;t may mga hamon sa operational side, our officers acted based on the information available at the time,&quot; Nartatez said in a statement.&quot;This incident reminds us na laging kailangan nating maging maingat at sundin ang tamang proseso sa lahat ng ating operasyon,&quot; he added. Following the court ruling, the acting PNP chief ordered an urgent and comprehensive review of the police&#x27;s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) covering rallies and public assemblies.The review will focus on strengthening training for field personnel, clarifying rules of engagement, and pursuing institutional reforms to prevent similar incidents in future demonstrations.Nartatez reiterated that the PNP remains committed to protecting the constitutional rights of Filipinos to freely and peacefully assemble.&quot;We have the dual responsibility of protecting protesters and securing the communities they march through,&quot; he said. &quot;This acquittal serves as a guide for us to review our procedures and ensure that all future police actions are fully compliant with the law. We remain committed to accountability and transparency in our operations.&quot;<div> </div><div>MAYO UNO 6 STAND VINDICATED</div>For the six youth activists, collectively referred to as the Mayo Uno 6, the ruling marked the end of more than a year of court battles.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/5/7/-mayo-uno-6-nakalaya-na-matapos-magpiyansa-2011">&#x27;Mayo Uno 6&#x27; nakalaya na matapos magpiyansa</a></div>In a statement, Atty. Mark Vincent Lim, one of their legal counsels, said the six were arrested while joining workers and youth groups demanding fair wages and job security. They were later charged with Direct Assault, Malicious Mischief, and violation of Batas Pambansa Blg. 880 or the Public Assembly Act.Their cases were dismissed over the course of 18 months. &quot;With these decisions, the Mayo Uno 6 stand vindicated. Their victory reaffirms a basic truth: joining a protest to demand fair wages and job security is not a crime, but a constitutional right,&quot; Lim said. Lim added the arrests were carried out violently and unlawfully, and that accountability should fall on the officers involved. &quot;The manner of arrest was excessive and unlawful. Those responsible must answer for their abuse of power,&quot; he stressed.The lawyers also urged the PNP to end what they described as a recurring practice of arbitrarily arresting protesters and weaponizing Batas Pambansa Blg. 880, a Marcos-era law long criticized by human rights groups. They likewise denounced the filing of charges such as Direct Assault, which they said are often used to justify arrests and intimidate activists.&quot;This acquittal is not just a legal victory—it&#x27;s a reminder that the streets belong to the people,&quot; he said. &quot;Protest is not a disturbance of public order; it is the people&#x27;s voice demanding justice.&quot;

The Philippine National Police said it fully respects the court decision acquitting six youths arrested during the 2024 Labor Day rally in Manila, calling the ruling an important reminder to law enforcers to uphold due process and the rights of protesters.

The Philippine National Police said it fully respects the court decision acquitting six youths arrested during the 2024 Labor Day rally in Manila, calling the ruling an important reminder to law enforcers to uphold due process and the rights of protesters.

PNP respects court's acquittal of 6 youth activists arrested in 2024 labor rally

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Traffic

Manila

Horoscope

Nation

PNP respects court's acquittal of 6 youth activists arrested in 2024 labor rally

Karen De Guzman,

ABS-CBN News

Published Nov 17, 2025 07:54 PM PHT

Read More:

Philippine National Police

PNP

Labor Day rally

Metropolitan Trial Court of Manila

acquittal

Mayo Uno 6

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.