43 cops, activists hurt during rally vs Pax Silica

MANILA, Philippines — Up to 43 police officers and activists were injured while five others were arrested yesterday during a protest outside a Taguig hotel where President Marcos was speaking at the Luzon Economic Corridor Investment Forum.

Over 300 activists trooped outside the Grand Hyatt Hotel to air their protest against the project and the proposed Pax Silica, a United States-led initiative planned in New Clark City in Tarlac.

The rally turned rowdy as some protesters attempted to break into the chain of police officers securing the venue.

Police quickly repelled the protesters who were able to enter the hotel lobby.

Col. Robert Baesa, Southern Police District deputy director for operations, said 16 police officers suffered bruises and wounds during the confrontation with the demonstrators.

Baesa said they intend to file criminal complaints against the protesters for assault and illegal assembly.

He reiterated that police maintained maximum tolerance in dealing with the protesters.

Twenty-seven activists were injured after clashing with anti-riot police, according to rally organizers.

“We condemn the harsh police response and violent dispersal of the people’s right to protest,” Bagong Alyansang Makabayan secretary general Raymond Palatino said in a statement.

Three paralegals from cause-oriented groups were arrested by police.

Among them were Kenneth Castor of the University of the Philippines-Office of the Student Regent, and Jona Yang.

Three others – Daya Juliano, Riezlle Novillos and Ramon Placido – were nabbed by police.

They are facing cases of alarm and scandal, resistance and disobedience to a person in authority, direct assault as well as violation of the Public Assembly Act – Josiah Antonio