The Philippine National Police (PNP) urged the supporters of losing candidates to remain calm amid calls for protest actions over questions on alleged election irregularities. 
 
PNP Officer-In-Charge Police Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao said the outcome of the election should be respected as it is the will of the majority of the Filipino people.
 
While he said the PNP respects the rights of every group and individual to air their grievances, Danao said it would be different if the protesters would resort to violence and destruction of properties.
 
"We have been receiving many reports of sort of rallies but actually we do not really quantify on this matter. All of us have our rights to express grievances especially on the just-concluded electoral process," said Danao in a press briefing on Tuesday.
 
"Let us always exercise sobriety.  Nakikiusap po ako na medyo magpakahinahon po tayo. Pagbigyan po natin yung resulta ng boto (let us respect the result of the voting)," he added.
 
Hundreds of protesters, mostly students, trooped to the Commission on Election office in Manila to protest the alleged irregularities in the conduct of the May 9 polls amid reports of malfunctioning vote-counting machines. A number of Filipinos were also unable to vote due to malfunctioning VCMs. 
 
Danao then urged the protesters to respect the outcome of the election. He also warned groups and individuals to refrain from instigating violent protest actions, 
 
"It is normal to lose. Instead of igniting to really join rallies let us accept and let the mandate of the Filipino people prevail. Let us put everything in proper perspective and in a proper place," said Danao.
 
"If you start hurting people and start throwing stones to any property, destroying government property or any property, that is the start that the police will come after you," he said.