De Lima to militants: You have no right to hurt cops during rallies

MANILA, Philippines – Militant groups have no right to hurt authorities during protest actions, Justice Secretary Leila De Lima said Tuesday.

“Walang karapatan kahit sinumang (You have no right to hurt anyone), even if you have a very valid cause. You have your right to freedom of expression, freedom of assembly but there is also abuse of rights,” De Lima told reporters.

Members of the Quezon City Police District injured in the violent rally at the National Anti-Poverty Commission met with De Lima on Tuesday.

“We were there para tingnan nang maayos ang rally nila (to maintain order) and we are the ones protecting them,” acting QCPD Director Police Superintendent Richard Albano said. “Kaya lang minsan, sumosobra naman kayo (But there are times you crossed the line).”

Albano said a complaint for physical injuries, direct assault, challenging an agent or person of authority, malicious mischief, and illegal assembly are being readied against the protesters.

De Lima advised the QCPD police members to file the case before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office. With Mara Cepeda and Caitlin Jao