PNP: Injured cops can file charges vs. protesters

(Updated 5:09 p.m.) Policemen injured in violent dispersals of anti-APEC protesters in Manila can file charges against activist groups, a top police official said Thursday.

 

Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor, spokesperson of the Philippine National Police, said at least three policemen have been injured in clashes with anti-APEC protesters.

 

"If you committed a violation of law against a person, then it is just the right of that person to file charges against you because you have violated his right under the law,” Mayor said during a press briefing.

 

Interior and Local Government Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento and PNP chief Director General Ricardo Marquez earlier visited the two policemen hurt during the violent dispersal of protesters on Gil Puyat (Buendia) Avenue, near the APEC venue in Pasay City. 

 

2 pulis na nasaktan sa pakikipaggirian sa mga raliyista sa Buendia-Roxas Blvd, dinalaw din sa ospital. | @allangatus pic.twitter.com/w28A1wGTnj

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) November 19, 2015

In an interview with GMA News' Jun Veneracion, one of the injured policemen said that he lowered his shield as he was attempting to assist a lady protester when he was hit by a plywood.

 

"Medyo ibinaba ko ang shield ko. may babae kasing nahihilo sa harap, raliyista rin. Sabi ko alisin na kako ang mga kasama ninyong babae. Tapos biglang tumama na sa akin ang plywood," the policeman said while lying on the hospital bed.

 

Veneracion took a video of his interview with the policeman.

 

 

Protesters were also hurt during the protest action.

 

UPDATE: Ilang raliyista na ang nasugatan sa kilos-protesta kontra-APEC sa Buendia-Roxas Boulevard. | via Carlo Mateo pic.twitter.com/7MIWlx5Q0Y

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) November 19, 2015

 

Mayor said that the PNP respects the protesters' right to freedom of expression, but reiterated that it has limits.

 

“Let me reiterate our unequivocal position that any public assembly outside of the designated freedom parks is deemed illegal and will be addressed accordingly,” he said.

 

Mayor earlier said that the presence of protesters at the corner of Gil Puyat Avenue and Roxas Boulevard was illegal considering that there were no rally permits issued to them.

 

“In fact, they were given leniency on this. They’re not allowed within the vicinity of the APEC event,” said Mayor. —ALG, GMA News