Raps filed vs 33 protesters in violent dispersal

MANILA, Philippines - The Manila Police District (MPD) filed yesterday charges against more than 33 protesters who figured in a violent dispersal of a rally in front of the United States embassy on Oct. 19.

Charges of illegal assembly, direct assault on persons in authority, physical injuries, resisting arrest and malicious mischief were filed before the city prosecutor’s office against Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) leaders Renato Reyes and Nathaniel Santiago; Piya Macliing Malayao, spokesperson of minorities’ group Sandugo; Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) leader Roberto de Castro and 29 other rallyists composed of members of indigenous and leftist groups.

Twenty-eight members of the MPD’S district public safety battalion – including Chief Inspector Joebie Astucia, who sustained injuries, and Police Officer 3 Franklin Kho, who drove a police van that ran over some rallyists – stood as complainants.

Astucia was chief of operations of MPD’s Station 5, which has jurisdiction over the area around the embassy, before he was relieved over the incident.

The charges were filed by the MPD’s general assignment and investigation section, led by Chief Inspector Arsenio Riparip.

MPD’s deputy director for operations Senior Superintendent Marcelino Pedrozo Jr. said the rally was illegal since the US embassy is a no-rally zone.

Two days ago, some of the protesters charged by Manila police slapped charges of multiple attempted murder, serious physical injuries, unlawful arrest, obstruction of justice, grave misconduct, grave abuse of authority and conduct unbecoming of a public officer against police officials before the Office of the Ombudsman.

The respondents include Pedrozo, Astucia, Kho, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Chief Superintendent Oscar Albayalde and several other police officers.

Earlier, Pedrozo, Astucia and Kho were relieved from their posts pending the investigation of the violent dispersal of protesters who were demanding the total pullout of US troops from the Philippines.

At least 40 people, including over 20 police officers, were hurt in the dispersal. 

This included three people – including Malayao, who sustained injuries on her leg – who were run over by the police van driven by Kho.

Meanwhile, militants criticized the MPD’s move to file charges.

Reyes said in a text message “it is somewhat tragic that the victims who were national minorities, are now the ones being charged for the violence that they did not initiate.”

Malayao said that “we members of national minorities have long experienced violence and repression from police and military.”