8 SONA protesters arrested on Commonwealth Avenue

Photo by Jamie Elona/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—At least eight protesters were arrested after they destroyed the metal dividers in a portion of Commonwealth Avenue where ralliers converge a few hours before President Benigno Aquino III delivers his State of the Nation Address (SONA), police said.

Tension rose after protesters coming from the southbound lane try to occupy the opposite of Commonwealth by destroying metal dividers past 12 noon.

The protesters were able to get to the other lane, but were subsequently brought back at the southbound lane after police officers in full riot gears push them backward with their shields.

The flow of traffic at the northbound lane was briefly affected.

“Maraming nasira. Pineperwisyo kaya itinulak na natin at inilgay natin sa dati (A lot of damage was done.  That’s why we pushed them back to where they were before),” said Quezon City Police District chief Senior Superintendent Richard Albano.

Albano added said a still unidentified number of police officers were wounded.

“That’s already damage to property,” he said.

Albano said leaders of these groups should be held liable for what happened.

Among the charges the arrested protesters may face include damage to property and illegal assembly, among others.

As of posting, cops have blocked the area where steel dividers have been taken down.

“The situation is now under control,” Albano said.