16 injured as protesters, policemen clash hours before SONA

Sixteen protesters have sustained minor injuries as activists and policemen clashed hours before President Benigno Aquino III delivers his sixth and last State of the Nation Address (SONA).

The figure was provided by Bayan Secretary Renato Reyes, who said that the injured persons were treated with first-aid.

Protesters from various leftist groups tried to cross the southbound lane of Commonwealth Avenue, which was intended for vehicles, by toppling container vans and concrete barriers topped with concertina wires.

The clash lasted for about 30 minutes with policemen bombing the protesters armed with mud and sticks with water cannons.

Bayan spokesperson Renato Reyes condemned the crackdown against the protesters.

“The protesters are indignant over the repeated violations of our right to protest. The barriers along Commonwealth are illegal,” Reyes said.

He also said that with the barriers and concertina wires set-up against activists, Aquino has become the “most paranoid president” yet.

“We marched forward today to defy the illegal blockades and assert our constitutional rights. On his last SONA, Aquino is showing himself to be the most paranoid and insecure president,” he added.

A 20-year-old protester known only as Mike from youth group Anakbayan was injured in his right eye after being hit by police armor.

Red Cross volunteer Menelio Salire treated the injured person and will be brought to East Avenue Medical Center.

As of posting time, the leftist groups have converged near Ever Commonwealth and have started their “counter-SONA.” With a report from Arianne F. Merez and Angeli Mae S. Cantillana/INQUIRER.net trainees