Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Crame
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has filed criminal complaints against a progressive group leader and a protester for allegedly attacking police officers during a Bonifacio Day rally along Recto Avenue in Manila.
In a press briefing on Monday, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said they filed the complaints before the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office on December 1.
“Eight police were injured and one got arrested. It appears that this individual attacked our police. He is in our custody and is now facing complaints,” she said in Filipino.
READ: Bonifacio Day protest: 1 cop hurt, 1 activist arrested in Mendiola
“We also filed complaints against the leader of KMU (Kilusang Mayo Uno) although he is at large and several John Does who were seen attacking our police officers in a video,” she added.
The protesters are facing complaints for violating Batas Pambansa 880 or the Public Assembly Act of 1985, direct assault, and disobedience to a person in authority.
Fajardo said the PNP is establishing the identities of other individuals involved.
The PNP is also recovering a body-worn camera reportedly stolen by a protester, she added.
On November 30, Bayan Muna decried the arrest of one of its organizers during its protest to commemorate the 161st birth anniversary of national hero Andres Bonifacio.
According to Bayan Muna, the arrested organizer “stepped aside and slowly walked toward the arch,” when protesters attempted to push the officers back.
The group identified the organizer as “Ka Nilo,” whom they described to be a 61-year-old from San Jose del Monte, Bulacan who suffered a stroke in September 2023.
“They were surely humiliated in front of their commander-in-chief. That’s why even if a person is already a senior and just on the sidelines, they still picked on him just so they could have something to show for,” Bayan Muna said.