Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III on Thursday called on the Philippine National Police (PNP) to look into the violent dispersal of a rally at the US embassy, describing as “very disturbing” a video showing a police van running over the protesters.
“I call on PNP Chief Director-General Ronald dela Rosa to immediately investigate this incident and take action against those responsible, uniformed or otherwise” Pimentel said in a statement.
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He expressed concern that the video of the incident Wednesday may damage the image of the PNP force as a protector of the people.
Pimentel clarified, however, that his call for a probe did not mean he is presuming guilt on any party.
“The video on its own is very disturbing, but is not the whole picture. We must not pass judgment until we know the whole story,” he said.
The protesters were rallying in front of the US embassy in support of the administration’s independent foreign policy. CDG