MANILA, Philippines -- Despite a series of rallies staged by leftist groups, the 40th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Ministerial Meeting here was peaceful, police officials said.

"Except for some minor miscue in traffic re-routing, and the attempt by militant groups to stage protest action a the vicinity of the PICC [Philippine International Convention Center], the entire event went ahead smoothly and orderly without incident," said Chief Superintendent Samuel Pagdilao, police spokesman, in a statement Friday.

Aside from the foreign ministers of the 10 ASEAN member-states, the regional bloc also met with dialogue partners such as the United States, China, the Russian Federation, Japan, Canada, and the European Union.

"The just-concluded event is another shining moment not only for the PNP [Philippine National Police], but for the entire Filipino nation to showcase the Philippines and the ASEAN," police Director General Oscar Calderon also said in a statement.

Calderon also commended the 6,500-strong ASEAN security force.

Pagdilao said several delegates have stayed behind after the meeting and are interested to visit other parts of the country.

"Other delegates who wanted to stay behind to visit other places will be provided security," he said.