2 hurt as Manila cops disperse rally

Two protesters were hurt when Manila police officers dispersed a rally denouncing the city government’s takeover of the Vitas, Tondo slaughterhouse held at the Bonifacio Shrine yesterday.

The two injured protesters, as well as five of their colleagues, were arrested for holding a protest without the necessary permits.

The police identified the arrested rallyists as Paul Alcoreza, 25, brother of Manila Councilor Dennis Alcoreza and stockholder of Dealco Farms Inc.; Noel Batac, 24; Ross Chua, 33; Rodolfo Tan, 45; Renato Jarabo, 39; Rodolfo Aborque, 50; and Harry Taduran, 40.

The police confiscated streamers denouncing the takeover of the Vitas slaughterhouse last Friday upon orders of Mayor Alfredo Lim, who terminated a 25-year lease granted to Dealco Farms for alleged violations of the agreement.

City Hall officials said Dealco failed to deliver on its promise to modernize the slaughterhouse. Among the violations Lim cited in his order are the lack of proper sanitary facilities and dumping of animal manure in Manila Bay.

Councilor Alcoreza slammed the takeover, saying Lim disrespected “due process” when he and Dealco officials and employees were bodily dragged out of the slaughterhouse “like slaughtered pigs” when they refused to leave the premises.   – Sandy Araneta