Makabayan bloc wants PNP sonic weapon probed
Around 1,000 rallyists joined the protest condemning the visit of United States President to the country during the ASEAN Summit. They called for a "ban" on Trump, the “US-President Rodrigo Duterte fascist regime” and the so-called neoliberal policies that they say the US is pushing in the Philippines. Philstar.com/Efigenio Toledo IV
MANILA, Philippines — Seven party-list lawmakers have filed a resolution seeking an investigation into the use of a long-range audio device against protesters during the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Summit.
Reps. Arlene Brosas (Gabriela), Emmi de Jesus (Gabriela), Carlos Isagani Zarate (Bayan Muna), Antonio Tinio (ACT Teachers), France Castro (ACT Teachers), Ariel Casilao (Anakpawis) and Sarah Jane Elago (Kabataan) filed House Resolution 1481 on Thursday.
The resolution directed the House Committee on Human Rights to conduct an investigation into the Philippine National Police’s use of LRAD against the demonstrators marching toward the Philippine International Convention Center, the main venue of the ASEAN Summit, last November 13.
“The use of LRAD or any sonic devices to prevent protesters from voicing out their demands to their government is a manifestation of the increasing fascism of the government and inhibits the people’s freedom of expression,” the resolution read.
Around 1,000 rallyists joined the protest condemning the visit of United States President to the country during the ASEAN Summit. They called for a "ban" on Trump, the “US-President Rodrigo Duterte fascist regime” and the so-called neoliberal policies that they say the US is pushing in the Philippines.
READ: Protest greets ASEAN Summit kickoff
According to scientist activist group AGHAM, LRAD can produce sound as high as 149 decibels.
AGHAM chairperson Giovanni Tapang said that the average human limit for hearing without damage is at 85 decibels.
He said the intense, high-pitched sound emitted by an LRAD could cause potential ear damage or permanent hearing loss to protesters, police and bystanders within hearing range.
National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Oscar Albayalde said LRAD causes only temporary discomfort and is not lethal.
He said the device is also used by China to keep Filipino fishermen from fishing in the South China Sea.
Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald said LRAD has been used by the PNP in big rallies since the term of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
“Should I allow our troops to just be beaten by rallyists? We have to defend ourselves accordingly,” he said.
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