Protester sprays paint on undercover cop in Manila rally

MANILA, Philippines — A police officer in civilian clothing was sprayed with paint in the face by a protester during an Independence Day rally in Manila on Friday, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said.

“He was spraying paint and vandalizing the center island along Kalaw Avenue. He was stopped, but he also sprayed our police officer in civilian clothes,” NCRPO spokesperson Maj. Hazel Asilo told reporters in a phone interview.

READ: PNP on full alert on Independence Day, deploys 89,000 personnel

“He tried to arrest him. But, the protester struggled and got free. He ran and removed his shirt so he couldn’t be identified,” Asilo said.

The police are still working to identify the protester.

“Apart from the spray paint in the head, the arm and his clothes, the police officer is in good condition,” she said.

Despite the incident, Asilo maintained that the NCRPO has yet to record an untoward incident during this year’s celebration of Independence Day.

Over 89,000 police officers and force multipliers have been deployed across the country to ensure security during this year’s celebration of Independence Day.

READ: Marcos urges Filipinos to protect truth on Independence Day

Of the more than 89,000 personnel deployed, around 16,000 were deployed in NCR.

According to the NCRPO, as of 10 a.m., the police are currently monitoring four areas with ongoing rallies: Recto Avenue in Manila (50 participants); East Avenuce corner Elliptical Road (50 participants); Santa Cruz, Manila (100 participants); and Kalaw Avenue in Manila (300 participants).

The PNP’s data also showed that another group held a rally near the National Housing Authority along Elliptical Road with 20 participants. The protest ended shortly before 9 a.m.

Asilo further noted that the NCRPO monitored a motorcade that passed near the Senate area./dp