PSG denies ‘harassment’ of reporters at Malacañang rally

PSG spokesman Michael Aquino. Photo by Nestor Corrales/INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

The Presidential Security Group (PSG) on Tuesday denied that “excessive force” was used during the rally of human rights victims, which allegedly led to the harassment of some members of the media, in Malacañang on Tuesday morning.

“There was no excessive force use. Alam ng tropa ang gagawin nila (Our troops know what to do),” PSG spokesperson Michael Aquino said.

READ: NUJP decries harassment of reporters by PSG

Groups of human rights victims trooped to Malacañang on Tuesday morning to hand a letter to President Rodrigo Duterte through the Presidential Management Staff (PMS).

The group, composed of members of the Samahan ng Ex-detainees Laban sa Detensyon at Aresto (Selda), Desaparecidos, and Hustisya went to  Gate 2 of Malacañang near the New Executive Building (NEB) carrying banners saying, “Resume peace talks,” and a letter to Mr. Duterte.

PSG officers assigned at the gate told the group that holding a rally was prohibited in the area. They also attempted to confiscate the reporters’ cellphones and told them to erase their footage of the event.

“We all know that Malacañang is a no-rally zone. We have rules,” Aquino said.

Aquino assured that they were investigating the incident amid claims of harassment from members of the media. CDG/rga