PNP maintains protesters attacked first in Kidapawan

DAVAO CITY - Local police justified on Thursday the filing of direct assault charges against farmers who took part in the deadly clash at a highway in Kidapawan City.

Senior Supt. Rex dela Rosa, chief of the regional investigation and detective management division of the Philippine National Police, said at a Senate hearing at the University of Southeastern Philippines that it was the protesters who incited violence by attacking the police dispersal teams with large rocks and pieces of wood.

Three farmers died while more than a hundred people got injured from both sides after the clash, which earned condemnation from some presidential candidates and human rights groups. 

Among those arrested after the clash were 25 women, including three pregnant and three elderly. They are currently detained at the Kidapawan City Gym and Kidapawan Convention Center.

The charges against them are pending before the Kidapawan City Regional Trial Court Branch 17.

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, meanwhile, could not believe that pregnant women, who were expected to protect themselves during the clash, would throw rocks at the police officers.

"Kung sinabi na may buntis sa harap, dapat tingnan natin sa video. I find it hard to believe na may tatlong buntis at maraming senior citizen ang nanguna at nambato," Cayetano said.

Dela Rosa said he had no idea that pregnant women were among those detained for direct assault charges. —KG, GMA News