6 cops hurt in violent protest amid ASEAN summit

Six policemen were hurt after anti-Trump protesters and crowd control policemen clashed in Manila as the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit opened on Monday morning.

National Capital Region Police Office chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said they counted only six policemen hurt because the other officers only suffered minor bruises.

Albayalde said the six policemen have been sent to the hospital.

He urged the protesters not to be rowdy.

“Ang sabi nga ng ating pangulo, they can protest with or without any permit, pero hindi naman sinabi ng ating presidente na they can protest with violence. Yun lang naman ang pinapakiusap natin sa kanila,” he said.

Policemen and militant groups clashed along Taft Avenue in Manila as the protesters attempt to get near the summit venue at the Philippine International Convention Center.

The clash happened as President Rodrigo Duterte opened the summit at the nearby Cultural Center of the Philippines.

The militants are protesting US President Donald Trump's participation in the regional summit. —ALG, GMA News