PNP orders probe on violent dispersal in front of US Embassy

The Philippine National Police has ordered an investigation into the violent dispersal of protesters, including indigenous peoples, in front of the US Embassy in Manila.

"The National Capital Region Police Office has been instructed to conduct an investigation of the incident purposely to determine if the Police Operational Procedures were properly observed by the Manila Police District," PNP spokesperson Senior Supt. Dionardo Carlos said in a press statement issued Wednesday.

Carlos assured the public that the investigation will determine the liabilities of all personalities from both sides whose involvement led to the violent incident.

He said the PNP is now piecing together the facts and circumstances surrounding the violent confrontation between members of the Manila Police District and a group of protesters in Ermita, Manila.

"??It is unfortunate that some persons were reported hurt in the confrontation that allegedly began when the much bigger group of militant activists broke into the smaller defensive formation of the MPD Civil Disturbance Management contingent that stood its ground to prevent an escalation of violence," he said.

He said some arrests were made by the MPD, and all injured parties, both from ranks of protesters and police were given proper medical attention.??

Protesters claim at least 50 were hurt on their side. On the other hand, police said over 30 officers were hurt in the incident.

NCRPO director Chief Supt. Oscar Albayalde earlier said the driver of the police van did not intend to run over the protesters.

“Di naman sila sinagasaan. The rallyists were trying to flip over the patrol car. In the process, the driver extricated the patrol car and inadvertently hit some unruly protesters who sustained minor injuries. (At least) 32 police officers were also injured and many of their uniform tainted with paint,” Albayalde said in a statement.

He said while it should be emphasized that they respect the freedom of assembly and speech in exercise of democracy, they cannot tolerate violations of the law and breach in peace and security by people who tend to go beyond it.

“Democracy does not mean that the law of the land can be violated,” he said.

He further said that the arrested protesters will be charged with direct assault and illegal assembly. — RSJ, GMA News