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'Angered' Bato says probe of dispersal at US embassy underway

October 20, 2016 | 5:00pm

'Angered' Bato says probe of dispersal at US embassy underway

Protesters hit a Philippine National Police van after it rammed into protesters outside the U.S. Embassy in Manila Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016. The police van rammed into protesters, leaving several bloodied, as an anti-U.S. rally turned violent Wednesday at the embassy. The protesters, consisting of students, workers and tribespeople, were demanding an end to the presence of visiting U.S. troops in the Philippines and to support a call by President Rodrigo Duterte for a foreign policy not dependent on the U.S., the country's longtime treaty ally.

AP / Bullit Marquez

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine National Police Director General Ronald Dela Rosa on Thursday assured the public that the police officers involved in the violent dispersal outside the US embassy are now being investigated.

“With what transpired at Roxas Boulevard in Ermita, Manila yesterday, an investigation and full review is underway and necessary sanctions will be levied on any personnel guilty for putting lives at risk,” Dela Rosa said in a statement.

Dela Rosa said he ordered National Capital Region Police Office Regional Director Chief Superintendent Oscar Albayalde to place all the officers involved in the dispersal under administrative relief to ensure the impartiality of the probe.

READ: 9 cops in violent dispersal at US embassy rally relieved, says NCRPO

Hundreds of protesters gathered to demand an end to the presence of US troops in the country and to back a call for an independent foreign policy by President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday. The protest turned violent after a clash between rallyists and Manila police.

Some protesters were arrested after the dispersal operation.

"Napanood ko ang video at nakakalungkot at nakakagalit.I saw people got hurt. Ayaw na ayaw ko na may nasasaktan na Pilipino. But I cannot let emotions get the best of me. As chief of the PNP, I have a duty and moral obligation to look into this squarely, and deal with it swiftly and decisively,” Dela Rosa said.

He said the president has already been informed of the incident. He said Duterte stressed the obligations of the police to serve and protect the people. The president said, however, that there would be no "blame game" until the investigation into the incident is done.

“Our other priority now, is to look into the victims, and check on their recovery and safety after such an unfortunate incident," he added.

The PNP chief said ”the police force recognizes and upholds the citizens’ right to peaceful assembly.” He said the police are instructed to exercise maximum tolerance in such public assemblies, with public safety and protection of human life an utmost concern and topmost priority.

Dela Rosa’s statement came after several senators condemned the Manila Police District’s response to the protest and called for a probe. Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III particularly asked Dela Rosa to immediately investigate the police personnel involved.