Protesters may have shot at police during Kidapawan rally – PNP

The results of an initial investigation by the Philippine National Police's (PNP's) Crime Lab suggested protesters may have also shot at police officers during the violent dispersal of farmer-protesters in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato last Friday.

According to a Monday report on GMA 7 news program “24 Oras”, the Crime Lab's conclusion was based on a trajectory examination taken at a hut, where police units were stationed during the rally.

A .38-caliber slug was found near the hut. Additionally, an unidentified victim was fatally shot in the head near the area.

“Made-determine natin dito ang trajectory. Ibig sabihin, kung saan mismo galing, kung saan iyong pinanggalingan ng bala at saan bumagsak, saan tumama,” Region XII Crime Laboratory director Senior Supt. Alejandro Gunao explained.

“Allegedly, eh di iyong mga protester namaril dito sa mga pulis. Allegedly ah,” he added.

Meanwhile, the PNP confirmed that one of the wounded police officers during the dispersal had a gunshot wound on his leg.

“Kung ang isang pulis ay nasugatan ng bala, because of bullets, then somebody must have used a firearm targeting the police,” said PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Wilben Mayo. — Trisha Macas/DVM, GMA News