Police, militants clash

CEBU, Philippines — The militant groups yesterday condemned the attempt of a platoon of policemen to push them back while the protesters attempted to cross over to Fuente Osmeña Circle from Osmeña Boulevard.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Central Visayas Head Jaime Paglinawan said he and about 200 protesters marched forward to get near President Rodrigo Duterte to convey their disappointment on his policy.

A short tension broke out when Paglinawan and his group tried to cross but the members of the Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) team held their line and prevented the group from crossing.

"Akong gikondenar ang gihimo sa kapulisan sa among malinawon nga pagprotesta. Igo ra unta mi mupaso didto, ang gihimo nanakit sila," Paglinawan said.

Paglinawan added they made a protest rally to air out their sentiments especially that Duterte failed to make good his campaign promises.

“Puros ra siya wala gayuy natuman, sama sa pulpogon ang illegal nga drugas sulod sa pipila ka bulan apan walay nahimo, nga kausaban,” Paglinawan said.

“Mga dagko nga magpapatigayon lang ang gihatagan og dako nga pagtagad sa presidente ang mga minimum wage earner walay asenso, samtang ang mga kabus nagpabilin sa ilang pagkakabus,” he added.

The militant groups brought placards conveying their disapproval of the TRAIN Law and proposed charter change, among others.

Senior Superintendent Arnel Libed, chief of the Regional Mobile Force Company in PRO-7, said it was in line to the security preparations for the presidential visit.

"For security reasons, hindi naman natin alam anong mangyayari. So kahit na wala pa si president at least lumulugar na ang security," Libed said.

Duterte arrived hours after the protest ended though.

"Instruction wag ma disrupt dalaw ni president. As much as possible na ma-disperse peacefully yung nga di magkakaroon ng disruption. Hindi naman masyado strikto but we should do it for security reasons," Libed said.

Few minutes after, Paglinawan and his group dispersed peacefully. (FREEMAN)