4 hurt in protest rally

MANILA, Philippines - Two protesters and two anti-riot police officers were injured when militants tried to march toward the United States embassy in Manila yesterday morning.

Members of the urban poor group Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) tried to push past the police barricade along Roxas Boulevard and the anti-riot personnel pushed back using their shields.

Government forces also used water cannons on the protesters, who persisted and were able to reach the embassy gates and hold a short program. They later dispersed without further clashes.

Superintendent Emery Abating, ground commander of the anti-riot personnel, said the conduct of the rally was “generally peaceful.”

Kadamay members claimed the US government supported the Duterte administration’s war on illegal drugs, which has reportedly left more than 7,000 people dead.

They also called on the Duterte administration to attend to more pressing urban poor issues such as demolition jobs against informal settlers.