Lim commends MPD cops hurt in clash with kuliglig drivers

MANILA, Philippines - Mayor Alfredo Lim gave awards during yesterday’s flag-raising ceremony to 13 Manila Police District (MPD) policemen who were injured during a violent dispersal of kuliglig (motorized pedicab) drivers who staged a rally late last month.

The drivers barricaded roads leading to the city hall to protest Lim’s orders banning kuliglig from the city’s major roads. When policemen moved to disperse them, they threw rocks and bottles at the lawmen.

Lim said the “13 policemen showed bravery and conviction” and “deserve to be thanked and commended.” He said Police Officer 2 Dennis Aguila needs to undergo a major operation because his skull was badly hit during the dispersal. The mayor said the city government will shoulder Aguila’s medical expenses.

The 12 other policemen who received awards and financial assistance are Chief Inspector Mar Reyes; SPO3 Amador Jareno Jr.; SPO2 Edmundo de Jesus; PO3 James Poso; SPO2 George Romero; PO2s Arvin Panganiban and Conrado de los Santos; and PO1s Alfredo Anonuevo, Michael Gere Domingo, Fritz Baruiz, Robert Nillas and Alsiebert Peco.