Arrest warrants issued vs 3 Labor Day protesters

MANILA, Philippines —   The Manila Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 28 has ordered the arrest of three protesters allegedly involved in an altercation during the Labor Day rally on May 1.

Ordered arrested were Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) chairperson Jerome Adonis and Kilusan ng Kababaihan spokesperson Jacq Ruiz as well as James Edward Anajao of Sandigan ng Manggagawa ng QC.

The order, signed by Judge Bernadette Eugenio-Tumacder on Aug. 10, was for violation of Article 153 of the Revised Penal Code, or tumults and other disturbances of public order.

Brig. Gen. Arnold Santiago, Manila Police District chief, said the charge was related to the assault on a police officer who was performing his duties during the rally.

Santiago said the incident was recorded and widely circulated on social media.

The KMU condemned the issuance of warrants, saying there was no preliminary investigation to verify the police allegations.

It added that the charges were dismissed earlier at the prosecutor’s office for lack of evidence.

“The government really timed the issuance of the warrant when there is a gaining momentum from the workers to increase the minimum wage,” Adonis said in a statement.

The MPD said they are tracking the three to serve the warrant.