Leftist groups alarmed over suspension of ‘maximum tolerance’

Leftist groups expressed concern yesterday over President Arroyo’s unprecedented decision to suspend the so-called "maximum tolerance" police policy and crack down on violent rallies.

The suspension would lead to human rights violations, they said, adding that Mrs. Arroyo might try to stifle legitimate dissent under the pretext of fighting terrorism.

"We are really alarmed as she is becoming more and more brutal and despotic everyday," said Sammy Malunes, Kilusang Mayo Uno spokesman.

"Policemen no longer respect prior agreements and negotiations with militant groups and, in several instances, they beat unarmed protesters to their heart’s content," he said. "You can imagine what can happen without such a policy."

On Tuesday, Mrs. Arroyo suspended the policy a day after a police officer suffered serious head injuries during a violent anti-government rally near Malacañang Palace in Manila.

Anti-government rallies by leftists groups in Quezon City during her second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday also turned violent. One police officer was sent to the hospital after he was clubbed on the head by a protester.

Charges would be filed against protesters if they violate the law next time, Mrs. Arroyo warned, adding that "maximum tolerance is not required by law." "It is just a policy," she said.

That means "any disorderly conduct would be dealt with strictly under the law," Justice Undersecretary Manuel Teehankee said in an interview.

Already, criminal charges of serious physical injury have been filed by police against the group Philippine Consultative Assembly and its leader, Linda Montayre, for the violent rally in Manila. Assaulting a police officer is against the law.

Violence erupted when the demonstrators hurled rocks at a police line that prevented the protesters from marching to Malacañang.

Yesterday, a small group of protesters testing the no-more-maximum-tolerance rule scuffled with police when they tried to enter Malacañang. No arrests were made.

Under the Philippine National Police rules on "civil disturbance control operations," police officers are required to exercise "maximum tolerance."

Under the policy, only protest participants who violate pertinent laws can be arrested.

No excessive force that can either wound or maim shall be used. "Only such force as may be necessary and reasonable to prevent or repel an aggression may be used, and only as a last resort," a manual on police rules on engagement read.

"The employment of tear gas and water cannons shall be made under proper advisement and command of responsible or superior police officer," it added. — With reports from Christina Mendez, Nestor Etolle