Riot cops, militant groups clash anew at Mendiola

Police and rallyists clashed anew yesterday after members of militant organizations tried to march to Mendiola, a no permit, no rally zone.

At noon, some 900 marchers belonging to Bayan, Partido Manggagawa (PM) and Akbayan gathered in front of the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) and marched on España.

Police, led by Sampaloc police station chief Superintendent Jose Asayo, blocked the marchers at the corner of P. Noval street.

A standoff followed after the marchers led by party-list Rep. Teddy Casiño and Bayan Muna secretary general Renato Reyes negotiated with Asayo to allow them to pass.

However, Asayo stood his ground to stop the marchers after they failed to show permit. The march was held to condemn the political killings and human rights abuses in the country.

Failing to convince Asayo, the marchers turned back and took a detour on A.H. Lacson Avenue, passing through Bustillos street on their way to Mendiola.

However, the marchers were again blocked by anti-riot policemen, led by Superintendent Bernardo Diaz.

This time the militants were determined to move forward and tried to push the policemen using their wooden placards.

A clash between the police and the marchers erupted, even as police ordered the hosing down of rallyists.

Protesters fought back by throwing rocks and other blunt objects to the policemen.

Several rallyists were hurt, while a riot policeman was injured. No arrests were made.

After the clashes, several militant groups staged a die-in at the main street of Bustillos in an attempt to tie up traffic in the area.

The rallyists later dispersed peacefully after police allowed them to hold a short program near Legarda.