Bottles, rocks hurled at Erap caucus; 3 hurt

MANILA, Philippines - Re-electionist Vice Mayor Isko Moreno was speaking during a local caucus of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) in Sampaloc, Manila when unidentified men hurled stones and beer bottles at the stage Saturday night.

Moreno was not hurt, but re-electionist Councilor Jocelyn Quintos suffered a bruise on her left shoulder.

Cresenciano Gabuten Jr., 60, an aide of Moreno, said he immediately went near the stage when he learned that Quintos was hit by a stone. Minutes later, somebody threw a beer bottle that hit him on the head.

Gabuten was taken to the Sampaloc Hospital but was declared out of danger. 

Another supporter, Marlyn Berano, was rushed to the Ospital ng Maynila after she tripped and lost consciousness when a stampede broke out.

Former President and mayoralty candidate Joseph Estrada decided to end the caucus at the corner of Maria Clara and Crisostomo streets to prevent further violence. 

The commotion ensued before Estrada could deliver his speech.

Unidentified men threw empty bottles and rocks at the stage where Estrada was seated with his fellow candidates.

The former president said the incident was intended to discourage Manileños from attending his campaign sorties.

“The more reason I am determined to save the people of Manila from this atmosphere of hate, harassment and violence,” he said.

Estrada and Moreno believe their political rivals were behind the incident.

They called on their opponents not to resort to violence.

The camp of re-electionist Mayor Alfredo Lim, however, said they had nothing to do with the incident.