NDF supporters, Muslims clash in Mendiola

MANILA, Philippines - Pandemonium erupted on Thursday at the historic Don Chino Roces Bridge (formerly Mendiola) in Manila after supporters of the National Democratic Front (NDF) and a group of Muslims threw stones at each other.

The incident happened at pat 10 a.m., hours before the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro at Malacanang, which is just a few meters away from the Don Chino Roces Bridge.

Reports said that around 100 members of the Kabataang Makabayan staged a lightning rally in the area at around 10 a.m. to commemorate the New People's Army's 45th anniversary.

The lightning rally, however, disrupted the reading of Koran by a group of Muslims, who gathered at the Don Chino Roces Bridge in anticipation of the peace pact's signing.

A brawl started between the two groups as rocks and debris flew between the Muslims and Kabataang Makabayan protesters, who ran up to Recto Avenue.

Policemen managed to break the melee hours later, with the Muslims going back to their program at the Chino Roces bridge.