Five protesters nabbed in Independence Day rally in Iloilo

At least five protesters were arrested after clashing with police securing Independence Day activities led by President Benigno Aquino III in Iloilo City Friday.

The groups were allowed to hold their protests at Plaza Libertad but decided to march to the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand, GMA Iloilo's Charlene Belvis reported.

President Aquino on Friday had led ranking government officials and members of the diplomatic corps at Independence Day ceremonies in Iloilo.

Those arrested included Karapatan secretary general Reylan Vergara, but Vergara claimed he and his colleagues were roughed up.

Charges being readied against them include:

- disobedience to lawful order
- malicious mischief
- resisting arrest
- direct assault upon an agent or person in authority

Vergara said the riot police pushed them back and a shoving match ensued until a fire truck dispersed them with water cannons.

The protesters then scattered, with some of them getting arrested.

"Itinulak na ng mga riot police ang aming members, doon na nagsimula.  Nagtulakan na hanggang sa ginamit na nila ang fire truck at binomba kami.  So, doon at nagkawatak-watak na ang aming members at kanilang inaresto," Vergara said.

"Ako nagresponde lang ako dahil ang isa naming member na taga-Lapuz Norte inaresto kaya’t tinanong ko kung ano ang kasalanan, bakit inaresto dahil may permit kami.  Si Sir Disomangcop (Iloilo City police chief Senior Superintendent Khasmir Disomangcop), nagsabi na si Reylan leader nila yan, dalhin yan," Vergara added.

The militants' lawyer, Janne Baterina, said they are looking into possible complaints against the police for violating the protesters' rights.

"(As) far as I’m concerned, ang mga rallyists kanina covered sila ng permit. Number two, wala naman silang sinabi na libelous or defamatory statement against sa government," Baterina said. -Joel Locsin NB, GMA News