Around 700 members of the militant group Sandugo, an alliance of Moro and indigenous peoples, and the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan had gathered outside the embassy. They were there to protest the militarization of indigenous peoples’ lands and express support for the independent foreign policy of President Rodrigo Duterte as he began his state visit to China.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5GrtsLZ-ts
Police said protesters lacked a permit to rally and that authorities did not expect violence to ensue.
The investigation for the violent dispersal of protesters outside the US Embassy on Wednesday (October 19) which left over 60 persons injured is underway. Dela Rosa said he has instructed National Capital Region Police Director Chief Supt. Oscar Albayalde to place all officers involved in the police operation under administrative relief “to ensure utmost impartiality of the investigation.”
Below is the full statement:
“Napanood ko ang video at nakakalungkot at nakakagalit. I saw people got hurt. Ayaw na ayaw ko na may nasasaktan na Pilipino. But I cannot let emotions get the best of me. As Chief of the PNP, I have a duty and moral obligation to look into this squarely, and deal with it swiftly and decisively.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) recognizes and upholds the citizens’ right to peaceful assembly. Police forces are under strict instructions as a matter of policy, to exercise maximum tolerance in such public assemblies, with public safety and protection of human life an utmost concern and topmost priority.
With what transpired at Roxas Boulevard in Ermita, Manila yesterday, an investigation and full review is underway and necessary sanctions will be levied on any personnel guilty for putting lives at risk. Upon my instructions, RD, NCRPO, Chief Supt Oscar Albayalde has placed all officers involved in that particular police operation under administrative relief to ensure utmost impartiality of the investigation.
The President has been briefed about the incident and he stressed on the obligations of our police to serve and protect the people. But as he said, we cannot point fingers right away without clear investigation.
Our other priority now, is to look into the victims, and check on their recovery and safety after such an unfortunate incident.”
COMMENT: Many may say it’s the protesters who instigated the violence but still, it’s wrong for the PNP to ram the vehicle into the crowd. The commander of that police riot was incompetent. He let his men overrun by the protester in turn that ramming occur.
