5 arrested in Mendiola rally

MANILA, Philippines - Five protesters, who allegedly attacked police officers securing a rally on Mendiola bridge yesterday were arrested by the Manila Police District (MPD).

The five, who were brought to the MPD’s General Assignment Section (GAS) for investigation, refused to give their names nor affiliation, even to the investigating officers.

A police report said the five were among the 500 persons from different militant groups led by the LFS, Kilusang Mayo Uno, Gabriela and Anakbayan, who staged the rally.

The report said PO3 Gerardo Jimenez, PO2 Sherwin Manuel and PO1 Russel Bustarde were the arresting officers of the five unidentified male suspects, believed to be members of the LFS.

Police said the five protesters will be charged for violation of the Public Assembly Act, tumults and other disturbances of public order provision in the Revised Penal Code, resisting arrest, obstruction and being half naked in a public street.

Several members of militant groups who held a rally on Mendiola Bridge Tuesday night were also hurt as MPD personnel dispersed them.

Manila policemen clashed with the militants who held the rally to protest rising fuel prices and budget cuts in the health and education sectors, among others.

About 500 of the protesters who tried to enter Malacañang were stopped by around 200 policemen from the MPD armed with truncheons and shields and used water canons from two fire trucks.

The MPD said the rally started Tuesday afternoon and dispersed at around 6:33 p.m.

Inspired by the “Occupy” movement that started in the United States, around 500 militant students also intended to set up tents near Malacañang. The activists set up tents and sleeping bags but were forced to pack up due to heavy rains.