MANILA, Philippines -- Around 100 militants commemorating the Manila Peninsula siege were prevented from marching to Camp Crame in Quezon City when police blocked their path on Edsa, claiming that the militants were holding an illegal assembly.

Some 50 other members of Sanlakas partylist were detained at the Quezon City Police District's Kamuning station after they were picked up along Timog Avenue.

Superintendent. Ferdinand Ampil, station commander, eventually allowed their release after lawyers JV Bautista and Argee Guevarra negotiated for the dropping of all charges at around noon Saturday.

"We would not allow them near Camp Crame as they have no permit. They can only hold their prayers and program here," said Ampil in an interview.

The protesters, mostly from the Sanlakas partylist, Buklurang Manggagawa ng Pilipino, and the N29Movement, were supposed to hold a program in front of Camp Crame to commemorate the first anniversary of the failed Manila Peninsula siege in Makati City last year.

Fr. Robert Reyes said he was supposed to celebrate a Mass for detained Senator Antonio Trillanes IV had their march had not been blocked.