Dispersal of rally in Pasig turns violent

A rally staged by residents of Barangay Sta. Lucia, Pasig City and militant groups on Thursday resulted in a violent dispersal after protesters refused to vacate the area.

A 24 Oras report by Marisol Abdurahman showed policemen using water cannons against protesters, some of whom responded by throwing rocks, bottles and even a molotov cocktail.

"Mahaba na rin 'yung panahon na pagbibigay, maximum tolerance ang inabsorb natin. In fact pinapayagan natin sila. Maraming pakiusap na 'yung ginawa natin kung pupuwede gawin nila 'yung kanilang rally o protesta sa gilid ng kalsada," said Pasig City Police Station chief Senior Superintendent Orlando Yebra.

An earlier report said there were 5 injured policemen and firemen following the incident while 29 were arrested from the side of the protesters.

Protesters strongly opposed the proposed relocation because it would be a burden for them to pay the water, electric and rental fees. They added that it would be difficult for them to find a new source of income once they are relocated.

"Substandard ang pagkagawa sa housing. May depekto po ang kanilang pabahay at ang kwarto po ay napakaliit, napakamahal ng kanilang hinihinging bayad. Dito po ang pinakamalapit na lugar sa aming mga trabaho," said resident Rodrigo Villareal.

They demanded to see Pasig City Mayor Robert Eusebio, but according to authorities, the government official was busy to meet them. —Anna Felicia Bajo/JST, GMA News