Cops who seized protest materials inside church cleared

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police chief Gen. Archie Gamboa on Wednesday cleared from any wrongdoing the policemen who confiscated protest placards from members of Akbayan party list group during a mass inside the Quiapo Church on Tuesday.

Gamboa said the police personnel from the Manila Police District were only acting on the request of the church’s security officials.

“They are welcome [to file charges against the police.] It’s a free country,’’ Gamboa said, addressing those who complained about the incident.

—Nestor Corrales