Nartatez insists no harassment as cops pushed back rallyists at Asean meeting

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. speaks to reporters in Pasay City on Wednesday night, July 22, 2026. (Photo by JASON SIGALES / INQUIRER.net) MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. insisted that there was no harassment by law enforcers as they pushed back against a group of protesters rallying outside an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) meeting. “The rallyists were the one provoking,” Nartatez told reporters in a chance interview in Pasay City on Wednesday night. “Did our police officers curse at them? No such thing happened. There’s no such thing as harassment,” he said. Article continues after this advertisement READ: PNP probes cops over ‘harassment’ of 2 photojournalists covering rally “The place was a no-rally zone. We have guests, right? Asean members. Is that what you would show your guests if you had any? And they don’t have the necessary permits. We have freedom parks,” he further insisted. Protesters led by the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan and other progressive groups staged a rally outside the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City during the Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. As the police attempted to push back on the rallyists, photojournalists Bullit Marquez and Rene Dilan were reportedly confronted by law enforcers and prevented from photographing the arrest of protesters, according to the Photojournalists’ Center of the Philippines. “There was a rally. The police engaged them. Our police officers have a calibrated response. The problem there was, of course, we won’t be able to tell who is holding the line among those who were rallying,” Nartatez explained. Article continues after this advertisement One of the photojournalists’ cameras was reportedly broken during the encounter. “There was? Then, they should go to the police station and file a complaint,” he suggested. Article continues after this advertisement Earlier on Wednesday, in a statement, the PNP said it will be investigating the incident. It vowed to take “appropriate administrative and other legal actions” if it is proven that personnel failed to observe existing laws, PNP policies and operational procedures. United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio was expected during the Asean meeting. The demonstrators called on the government to oppose Pax Silica, a US-led coalition of 14 countries seeking to strengthen supply chains for critical minerals, semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful. Under the initiative, a site in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac would be used to build an AI manufacturing hub, prompting support for potential investments and opposition over concerns related to the possible displacement of communities and environmental protection. /apl