A progressive group trooped to Camp Crame in Quezon City on Monday, September 22, to condemn police brutality from yesterday’s anti-corruption protest.
The day after, the Philippine National Police (PNP), along with other local law enforcement units, observed maximum tolerance during the massive protests; Several groups marched to Camp Crame’s Gate 1 to condemn how some officials handled the directive.
Despite the rain showers in the area, RH Edniel Parrosa reported that the group held a protest in front of the PNP Headquarters, demanding the immediate release of individuals arrested by the Manila Police District (MPD).
Milo Basuel, Samahang ng Progresibong Kabataan (SPARK), said that police personnel were “selective” when it came to enforcement of laws, adding that it has only further angered the youth sector.
“Naninindigan tayo na hindi patas o makatarungan ang ginawa ng kapulisan kahapon, na bayolenteng reaksyon sa galit ng masang biktima ng pangungurakot,” SPARK wrote in a social media post.
“Nananawagan tayo sa Commission on Human Rights and National Police Commission na agad imbestigahan ang naganap na insidente ng police brutality. Tuloy din ang ating panawagan para panagutin at kulungin ang lahat ng pulitiko, kawani, at kontratistang sangkot sa korapsyon,” it added.
The PNP had earlier described the violent clashes between police and protesters at Ayala Bridge, including the Mendiola-Recto area, as “isolated cases.” The anti-corruption protests coincided with the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law in the country.
Meanwhile, PNP Public Information Office(PIO) Chief PBGen. Randulf Tuaño urged the public to highlight the restraint shown by police personnel. He also noted that around 121 officers were injured during the day of protests, and that some are still recovering at the PNP General Hospital in Camp Crame.
Despite this, Acting PNP Chief P/Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. commended the officers’ professionalism, stressing that despite the tensions, the protest was observed peacefully overall.
Earlier today, Nartatez also personally visited the injured officers.
