PNP defends arrest of 2 EDSA protesters

MANILA, Philippines — Stressing that human rights end when violence begins, the Philippine National Police (PNP) yesterday defended the arrest of two activists during the 40th anniversary of the EDSA people power uprising on Wednesday.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said that while he ordered police to strictly observe maximum tolerance, the situation is different when law enforcers are physically assaulted by protesters.

Nartatez said when public safety is at risk, police must act to restore order in the streets.

The activists were arrested in accordance with standard operational procedures, Nartatez maintained.

“Human rights do not include the right to assault police officers or cause public disturbance,” he said.

Cause-oriented group Alyansa Tigil Mina condemned the arrest of human rights advocate Edel Parducho and youth activist Three Odena.

The group said Parducho was among the marshals while Odena was taking photographs when they were nabbed by police.

Police allegedly tried to seize Odena’s camera.

Cases of physical injury and other complaints were filed against the protesters, the group said, even if video documentation and eyewitnesses’ accounts showed a different version.

“Clearly, these are fabricated charges meant to intimidate and harass protesters peacefully exercising their right to assembly and freedom of expression,” the group said in a statement.

Youth groups Kabataan party-list and Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan also condemned the alleged police brutality and unjust arrests of Parducho and Odena.

Nartatez clarified that police did not prevent the activists from holding rallies and only requested them to limit their occupation of EDSA to one lane to avoid snarling traffic.

Seven police officers were injured during clashes with protesters.

April protest set

Militant groups are gearing up for another massive anti-corruption protest in April.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan secretary general Raymond Palatino said the next protest would again demand accountability from President Marcos, Vice President Sara Duterte and other government officials allegedly involved in corruption.

Bayan also called for the immediate release of Parducho and Odena. – Jose Rodel Clapano, Mark Ernest Villeza