Junk raps over Labor Day protest, MPD urged

MANILA, Philippines — Members of a militant group facing charges over the Labor Day protest asked the Manila Police District yesterday to drop the complaint filed against them.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) president Nato Reyes and secretary general Mong Palatino along with Kilusang Mayo Uno secretary general Jerome Adonis and Piston national president Mody Floranda appeared before the Manila prosecutor’s office yesterday.

They were earlier recommended to be investigated for tumults and other disturbances of public order.

“This is a clear case of police harassment to create fear and to criminalize protests and rallies, especially those that criticize the government’s torture programs and abuse of power,” Bayan said in a statement.

“Protesting, including the burning of effigy to express opinion of the people against those who abuse their power, should not be considered a crime,” the group added.