9 Labor Day protesters probed

MANILA, Philippines — The Manila Police District (MPD) is investigating nine Labor Day protesters for alleged public order violations.

Police said that demonstrators along T.M. Kalaw Avenue had attempted to disperse barricades, with one protester accused of punching a policeman in the face, stealing a phone and assaulting others.

Other alleged violations include conducting a public assembly without the necessary permit, and robbery.

Kilusang Mayo Uno leader Jerome Adonis had dismissed the claims, saying police were responsible for instigating violence and their carelessness caused a police officer’s cellphone to go missing.

“Police personnel are mandated to exercise maximum tolerance. However, when protesters cross the line into unlawfulness and create undue tumult or danger to the public and the authorities, the police will not hesitate to enforce the law,” MPD chief Brig. Gen. Arnold Santiago said yesterday.