Lumad groups file charges vs Manila Police officials

MANILA, Philippines — Injured victims of the violent dispersal of protesters in front of the US Embassy last week filed criminal and administrative cases against Manila Police District officials at the Office of the Ombudsman.

Members of national minority groups or Lumads asked the Ombudsman to conduct an investigation on the violent dispersal of rallyists last Oct. 19.

The victims are seeking the indictment of Chief Supertintendent Oscar Albayalde, Senior Superintendent Marcelino Pedroso, PO3 Franklin Kho, and seven other police officers, according to a report from ABS-CBN News.

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The police officers are facing complaints of multiple attempted murder, serious physical injuries and unlawful arrest.

The MPD officials are also accused of obstruction of justice, grave misconduct, grave abuse of authority and conduct unbecoming of a public officer.

Ephraim Cortez of the National Union of Peoples' Lawyers said that the accused policemen intended to kill the protesters.

"Kung nataranta siya (Kho), aabante siya pabalik sa mga pulis. Eto parang paulit-ulit parang naghahanap ng masasagasaan," Cortez said.

The Philippine National Police earlier said that it has instructed the National Capital Region Police Office to conduct an investigation into the incident.

The NCRPO said that the nine police officials involved in the violent dispersal were ordered put on administrative relief.