According to MPD spokesperson, Superintendent Erwin Margalejo, the cases filed against Reyes, Casiño, and a protester named Neil Legaspi include illegal public assembly, breach of peace, assault upon an agent of authority, and disobedience. Last Sunday, the protesters tried to dismantle the police barricade so they can penetrate the US Embassy.
In a statement, Joint Task Group Peace and Order (JTG PO) representative Police Superintendent Ronald Hipolito said that the police are implementing maximum tolerance during the said rally. However, the protesters insisted on getting near, and Legaspi was arrested after he was seen throwing stones, and some policemen were hit and injured.
Meanwhile, the 14 protesters claimed that Reyes and Casiño instructed the protesters to move forward, and scolded them when they did not follow them. According to a certain Galicano Lacdao, who acted as the spokesperson of the group, the original plan was only to protest at T.M. Kalaw Avenue, but not to disturb the ongoing 31st ASEAN Summit.
“Nagulat nga po kami nang bigla kaming sinabihan na lumapit pa, kasi wala naman yun talaga sa pinag-usapan naming. Tapos yung ayaw sumunod sinisigawan nila. Hindi naman kami tinuruan kung ano eksakto ang gagawin, kaya tuloy may mga nasaktan.” Lacdao said, who said he suffered some brushes because his companions pushed him.
“Ang totoo, wala naman pong nanakit na pulis sa amin. Hinarang lang kami at tinutulak paatras pero yung mga nasa likuran panay ang tulak sa amin kaya tuloy naipit kami.” He added, noting that he and his companions have withdrawn their membership from Bayan and Bayan Muna. “Ayaw na namin.Maghahanap na lang kami ng trabaho.” Lacdao said.
Contributed by Renato Pasayao
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