PNP files charges vs Sona protesters who beat up cops

The Philippine National Police has filed criminal charges against eight militant leaders for beating up and detaining two policemen during the State of the Nation Address (Sona) protest rallies in July.

The PNP identified the eight leaders as Antonio Flores, secretary general of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas; Mark Adrian Ng, Hermie Marasigan, Perla Ipong and Renato Reyes, all of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan; Arjie Manalo, secretary general of Gabriela; Vencer Crisostomo of Anakbayan, and Ferdinand Gaite of Confederation for Unity, Advancement and Recognition of Government Employees (Courage).

In a statement, PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor said the preliminary investigation against the respondents is already underway at the Quezon City Prosecutors’ Office.

 Suspected spies

The militant leaders were charged with illegal assembly, serious illegal detention, assault upon an agent of person in authority and robbery.

During the Sona rallies on July 27, two policemen were snatched and beaten up by the protesters after they were suspected of spying on the protests along Commonwealth Avenue.

Chief Insp. Antonio Ananayo Jr. and PO1 Reden Malagonio of the National Capital Region Police Office’s Regional Public Safety Battalion said they were  captive inside a jeepney against their will.

 Robbed, mauled

The two policemen were allegedly mauled and robbed of their cell phones before they were eventually freed.

As a result of the beating, Ananayo sustained severe head injuries and developed blood clots in his brain that required surgery.

Both policemen also suffered multiple bruises and abrasions all over their bodies, prompting the Quezon City Police District’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit to file a case against the leaders of the militant groups.

 Baseless charges

Sought for comment, Reyes, Bayan secretary general, said the charges against them are “baseless.”

“We weren’t even present when the alleged incident happened. The complaint itself does not specify what acts were committed by each respondent,” Reyes said.

The case against them was filed in September, with the first hearing held in October. The respondents filed their counter-affidavit on Wednesday.

“That press release from the PNP is timed for the Apec (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) protests, to intimidate the protest leaders,” he said.