Confrontation between teachers and police at a protest near Malacañang, October 4, 2026. Darylle Sarmiento, ABS-CBN News
MANILA — A confrontation ensued Sunday between several teachers and police officers during a protest rally ahead of World Teachers' Day on Monday.
The confrontation occurred after teachers approached Malacañang to voice their concerns over what they described as long-standing problems in the education sector.
"Bukas po ang culmination nito, World Teachers' Day, kailangan may marinig ang mga guro. Kasi po, ang tagal na nagdurusa ang nga teachers, mababang pasweldo, andami-daming trabaho, yung class size namin, yung mga studyante namin na hindi natututo, may shooting incidents pa," said Raymond Basilio, secretary-general of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers.
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During the rally, police officers also tore up the group's papers, which contained the issues they wanted the government to address.
Their demands included a ₱50,000 entry-level salary for teachers, increased education funding, and accountability for those involved in corruption.
Several teachers were injured and others had their clothes torn during the confrontation with authorities.
"Ang dala natin ay simpleng bond paper na may panawagan pero rahas, dahas ang dinala sa atin. Marami sa mga kasamahan ang sugatan, nasaktan," said Basilio.
The situation calmed down after the teachers were completely cleared from Jose P. Laurel Street.
Authorities reminded protesters that while exercising their right to protest, they must still abide by the law.
MPD Spokesperson PMaj. Philipp Ines said that there are several areas in Manila where the group can freely express its grievances.
"Yung lugar po kung saan po nagkaroon ng protesta ay hindi po kasama yun sa freedom park natin, kung saan dito sa lungsod ng Maynila, mayroon tayong apat na freedom park," said Ines.
"Ito po yung Liwasang Bonifacio, Plaza Miranda, Plaza Dilao, at Plaza Moriones. Malaya po sila diyan, wala pong pagpigil," he added.
The protest lasted for nearly an hour and no one was arrested.
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