3 ordered arrested over Labor Day rally violence

MANILA, Philippines — The Manila Police District (MPD) on Wednesday said three individuals were ordered arrested by a court in connection with a Labor Day rally last May.

In a statement, the MPD said the Metropolitan Trial Court issued a warrant of arrest against the three individuals, whom the police did not name, for tumults and other disturbances of public order under Article 153 of the Revised Penal Code.

The police explained that the charges stemmed from the purported assault of a police officer when authorities blocked rallyists along T. M. Kalaw Avenue in Ermita on the way to the United States Embassy just blocks away.

READ: MPD recommends raps vs 9 protesters over violence at Labor Day rally

“Following the court’s order, MPD personnel have been directed to track down and apprehend the accused in accordance with existing laws, rules, and procedures,” the MPD said.

“The Manila Police District remains steadfast in upholding the rule of law, ensuring the lawful enforcement of court processes and protecting the rights of all parties concerned,” MPD Director Brig. Gen. Arnold Santiago said in a statement.

The rally, led by the group Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), was mounted to call on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to address the rising costs of basic goods and to call for the United States to end its war against Iran.

At least nine police officers were injured during the incident, the MPD said.

KMU chairperson Jerome Adonis, however, criticized the police as “oversensitive” in their Labor Day rally actions. /gsg