US Embassy calls for restraint following violent protest dispersal

The US Embassy in Manila has called for restraint following the violent dispersal of a protest outside its premises on Wednesday.

"The US supports democracy in the Philippines and supports the right to peaceful expression and demonstration. We call on parties to engage in peaceful dialogue and exercise restraint," the US Embassy said in a statement to GMA News' JP Soriano. 

The US also sympathized with the victims of the dispersal, which stemmed from a protest action against militarization of Lumad communities and for the cessation of continued US troop presence in Mindanao.

"We express our sympathy and hope for a quick recovery for those injured," the embassy said.

According to national minority alliance Sandugo, at least 50 protesters were injured while several others remain at the hospital after being run over by the police vehicle. 

More than 40 demonstrators were also arrested in the dispersal including peasants, doctors, students, two female minors from a Lumad tribe in Bukidnon, and several others. 

They were later released by the MPD, whose actions during the dispersal have been asked by leftist lawmakers to be investigated by the House of Representatives.

At the Senate, a separate probe has been sought by Sen. Grace Poe.

Nine members of the Manila Police District who led the dispersal have been relieved to pave the way for an impartial investigation by the Philippine National Police. — Virgil Lopez/RSJ, GMA News