Labor Day, celebrated every May 1st, commemorates the struggles and commendable achievements of Filipino workers. It is also a day when rallies and protests are commonly organized by groups advocating for labor reforms, wage increases, and better working conditions. In this context, the Philippine National Police (PNP) plays a crucial role in ensuring public safety, maintaining peace and order, and protecting the general public.
According to PNP Spokesperson and Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) Director, Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo, as many as 64,410 personnel were simultaneously deployed throughout the country on May 1, 2025, to ensure peace and order during Labor Day celebration. This included 29,700 for police visibility; 3,825 for traffic assistance; 15,223 assigned at checkpoints and border control points; and 6,192 as part of the Reactionary Standby Support Force (RSSF). In addition, a total of 7,881 personnel were assigned to Civil Disturbance Management (CDM), with 5,086 personnel on standby, while 214 drone operators assisted in aerial monitoring for improved surveillance.
Of the total number of police officers deployed, over 11,000 personnel were assigned in Metro Manila. Notably, among those deployed by the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) were 1,202 officers assigned for mobile patrol; 1,138 officers for anti-criminality operations; and 1,006 officers for civil disturbance management.
For instance, the Eastern Police District (EPD) mobilized a total of 1,679 officers to secure strategic areas in the cities of Pasig, Marikina, Mandaluyong, and San Juan. Some were positioned personnel under the EDSA–Ortigas Flyover, while others were directed to conduct information drives to raise public awareness and prevent the occurrence of crimes during the event.
In addition to crowd control and security monitoring for Labor Day rallies and assemblies, deployed personnel were instructed to intensify anti-criminality operations in their respective jurisdictions. They were reminded to strictly observe the rule of law and follow proper procedures to avoid any form of irregularity.
Throughout the day, PNP monitored a total of 44 protests in various regions–mostly in the National Capital Region (NCR), Regions 4A, 6 and 7. An estimated that approximately 15,000 individuals participated in the rallies and all events ended peacefully.
PNP Chief, Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, expressed his gratitude to the police officers and the public for their cooperation in making the celebration peaceful.
“Our police personnel carried out their duties with utmost professionalism and respect for human rights. The peaceful outcome of this year’s Labor Day activities is a testament to the maturity and cooperation of our citizens and the unwavering commitment of PNP to safeguard public order,” PGen Marbil said.
CPNP further added, “We thank the labor groups, local government units, and other stakeholders for their coordination and responsible conduct. The success of this year’s observance reflects our shared goal of a safer, more secure, and united nation.”
PNP remains committed in protecting the rights and welfare of every Filipino while promoting peace and order across the country.
