12 cops hurt in clash with protesters

MANILA, Philippines - At least 12 police officers were hurt after they clashed with militants who staged a picket outside former president Benigno Aquino’s home in Quezon City yesterday, calling for his imprisonment.

The rallyists tried to storm Aquino’s house on Times Street in Barangay West Triangle just before 3 p.m., said Superintendent Dario Añasco, Masambong police station commander.

Around 100 policemen were deployed to provide security in the area as Aquino arrived at his home at around 11:30 a.m.

Around 100 student activists reportedly tried to take down the barricade the police had set up outside Aquino’s home.

The commotion, which reportedly began after a short program, lasted more than 30 minutes.

The activists immediately dispersed afterwards and no injury was reported from their side, Añasco said.

The policemen, including Añasco and one of his deputies, sustained minor injuries from the incident but no one was brought to the hospital.