PNP files direct assault, disobedience raps vs Bonifacio Day protesters

Complaints for direct assault and disobedience to an agent of a person in authority have been filed against some individuals who gathered at Mendiola on Bonifacio Day, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Monday.

At a press briefing, PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo said the complaints were lodged with the Manila City Prosecutor's Office on Sunday.

“Isa po ang nasa custody at nasampahan na rin natin itong isang taong nasa custody natin pati yung leader mismo ng [Kilusang Mayo Uno] ay kinasuhan natin bagamat at large po siya, at several John Does,” Fajardo said.

(One person is in police custody and we have charged this one person in our custody, the leader of [Kilusang Mayo Uno] even though he is large, and several John Does.)

“Hindi po tayo papayag na hindi managot ang mga maysala sa incident na ito. Maliban po sa pananakit sa mga pulis natin ay ninakaw pa po yung isang body worn camera,” she added.

(We will not allow the perpetrators of this incident not to be held accountable. Apart from hurting our police officers, a body worn camera was also stolen.)

Because the protesters had no permit for the event in Mendiola, Fajardo said a complaint for the violation of Batas Pambansa 800 was also filed against them.

GMA News Online has sought comment from KMU secretary general Jerome Adonis on the complaints but he has yet to provide a statement as of posting time.

Militant groups gathered at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila to protest against the government’s policies on Bonifacio Day on Saturday.

The groups then marched to Mendiola, near the Malacañang Palace, to conduct their Bonifacio Day protest activities. They were able to breach a police barricade.

According to the PNP, at least eight police officers were hurt during the protest action. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News