Rallyists charged for destroying CHED property

MANILA, Philippines - Three activists were charged for allegedly destroying government property during a violent rally at the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) compound last month.

Senior Police Officer 3 Antonio Sanchez and PO1 Walter Tuengan of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Station 9 filed malicious mischief charges against Kabataan party-list secretary general Vencer Crisostomo, Noli Anoos and Baby Parenas, as well as their unnamed companions, before the Quezon City prosecutors’ office.

The complaint was filed based on an authorization given to the QCPD by CHED executive director Julito Vitriolo. The CHED’s administrative service office said the actual total cost of damages from the March 24 rally was P212,092.10.

The two policemen said they were on duty when they received information about protesters heading for the CHED office along C.P. Garcia Avenue to demand action on the pending tuition increase at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.

Sanchez and Tuengan said the protesters allegedly “shook the steel main gate until it collapsed,” then ran into the CHED compound and tried to break open the glass door of the main lobby.

They also alleged that the protesters destroyed two office tables and a sofa, and spray-painted the building’s glass and concrete walls.

Sanchez and Tuengan said they were about to arrest the protesters when CHED chairman Emmanuel Angeles prevented them, saying he would talk with the protesters.

Angeles later told the rallyists he would not approve the tuition increase.