The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Saturday claimed that several of its officers suffered injuries after protesters commemorating the 161st birth anniversary of revolutionary hero Andres Bonifacio, who marched along CM Recto Avenue in Manila, breached their barricade.
In a statement, the PNP said it strongly condemns the “acts of violence perpetrated by certain rallyists… which led to injuries and the disruption of public order.”
According to initial reports, the PNP said that one police officer deployed to the area sustained an eye injury and was promptly rushed to a hospital in Manila for medical treatment.
“Other officers suffered minor abrasions and received immediate first aid from a medical team on-site,” it said.
The PNP said that the incident underscores the delicate balance the police force strives to uphold between protecting the rights to free speech and peaceful assembly and ensuring the safety and security of our communities.
“Our police officers, who are tasked with safeguarding public safety, displayed remarkable restraint and professionalism even as they faced provocation and aggression,” it said.
“Their mission is always clear: to de-escalate tensions, preserve peace, and protect lives,” it added.
WATCH: Mga militanteng grupo na nagmamartsa patungong Mendiola, Maynila upang magsagawa ng programa ngayong Bonifacio Day, nabuwag ang hanay ng mga pulis na nakaharang sa bahagi ng Recto Avenue. | via Mao dela Cruz pic.twitter.com/1jw1IgaRiw
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The PNP, meanwhile, reaffirmed its commitment to upholding every Filipino’s constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
“However, we cannot and will not tolerate any form of violence that endangers the public or undermines the rule of law. Those responsible for instigating chaos and harming others will be held accountable in accordance with the law,” it said.
“We call on everyone to engage in peaceful and meaningful dialogue while refraining from actions that may compromise public safety or disrupt harmony within our communities. Our shared goal must always be a society where voices are heard, and mutual respect prevails,” it added.
A ”24 Oras Weekend” report by Saleema Refran said a total of seven police officers sustained injuries.
“Hinarangan po kami, nagkaroon ng tulakan. So sa tulakan po, meron pang isang kasamahan namin na inaresto. Kaya wala po siyang kasalanan. Kung may nasaktan po sa kanila, may nasaktan din naman sa amin eh. Pero ang point bakit kasi sila nanghaharang?” Kilusang Mayo Uno secretary general Jerome Adonis said in a statement.
(We were blocked and then there was a scuffle. During the scuffle, one of our colleagues was arrested. So he is not guilty. If someone was hurt among the police personnel, someone was hurt among us too. But the point is, why are they blocking us?)
“Ive-verify pa natin doon sa ating hanay kung meron tayong naaresto. We need to follow the rule of law. Nirerespeto natin ‘yung kanilang karapatan, pinapakiusapan natin na itong lugar na ito ay hindi kasama sa freedom park,” said Police Major Philipp Ines, spokesperson for the Manila Police District.
(We will verify within our ranks if anyone was arrested. We need to follow the rule of law. We respect their rights and we told them that this area cannot be considered a freedom park.) —Ted Cordero and Jamil Santos/VAL/VBL, GMA Integrated News
