MANILA, Nov. 16 -- Police officers deployed to maintain security amid the start of the three-day peace rallies in Manila and Quezon City were reminded Sunday to remain professional and continue protecting the public.

In a statement, Philippine National Police acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police officers "have no business of using our power and authority to intimidate and hurt the civilians that we vowed to serve and protect."

"That is not what we are trained for - and that is not who we are as proud members of the Philippine National Police," he added.

Nartatez reminded police officers to exercise maximum tolerance and use only the necessary and appropriate force as a last resort "only against those who have a ...