PNP to file raps vs Labor Day protesters after 7 cops hurt

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said it will file charges against several protesters and organizers involved in Labor Day rallies after at least seven police officers were injured.

In an ambush interview, PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said authorities have already identified some of the individuals allegedly responsible for the attacks on police personnel.

“There are about seven recorded, and there are probably more police officers who were injured and are now confined in our hospital,” Nartatez said.

“And the PNP is ready to file cases against those personalities, especially the organizers of this protest rally. When you protest, you should have a permit, ask for permission, and at the same time, it should be peaceful,” he added.

Nartatez said the police exercised maximum tolerance during the demonstrations, noting that officers were deployed in large numbers but refrained from using force unless necessary.

“You know the rallyists—at first, their faces were uncovered. Then suddenly, they covered them because they wanted trouble. We don’t want that,” he said.

Nartatez stressed that police officers resort to force only as a last measure and primarily for self-defense, saying they aim to avoid escalation during protests.

“In the first place, we do not want to use our weapons, especially firearms and even our batons. These should only be used for self-defense because we do not want trouble," he said.

"When there is trouble, who becomes the victim? It is also the police. We are the ones who get hurt,” Nartatez added.

Earlier, Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) denied the allegations of assault against police officers.

“Hindi kami nanakit. Maruming taktika ito ng kapulisan upang lunurin ng disimpormasyon ang mga lehitimong hinaing ng taumbayan laban sa mga gahaman na kanilang pinoprotektahan,” KMU chairperson Jerome Adonis said.

(We did not hurt them. This is a dirty tactic by the police to drown in disinformation the legitimate grievances of the people against the greedy individuals they protect.)

“Kitang-kita sa mga video na patapos na ang protesta nang biglang nangbomba ng tubig at nanglusob ang kapulisan. Iyon ba ang maximum tolerance? Sino ba ang may dalang batuta, pamukpok, at riot shield?” he added.

(It is clear from the videos that the protest was about to end when the police suddenly fired water cannons and charged. Is that maximum tolerance? Who is carrying batons and riot shields?)—MCG, GMA News