By Pauline Faye V. Tria SEN. RISA Hontiveros slammed the Philippine National Police (PNP) for the violent dispersal of protesters at the United States Embassy in Manila last Oct. 19 following a viral video of a police vehicle running over protesters. “The actions of the Philippine National Police in yesterday's rally at the US Embassy were extremely reprehensible, unacceptable and indefensible,” Hontiveros said in a press release issued last Oct. 20. “The police force's complete disregard for human rights, particularly the right to life and peaceful assembly, adds to the growing climate of fear and impunity in the country,” she said.
A violent anti-US rally along Roxas Boulevard that left at least 40 people injured, including police officers occurred on Wednesday. Footage showed a police van driving back and forth, launching into activists that were striking the vehicle with wooden batons. The footage went viral and elicited outcry from netizens. The protest was participated by students, workers, and indigenous communities that condemned the visiting US troops in support of Dutere’s pursuit of an independent foreign policy. Tear gas and a water hose from a fire truck were used to subdue the protesters as they threw rocks at police officers. Manila Police District’s Senior Superintendent Marcelino Pedrozo reiterated that the US Embassy is a no-rally zone and that the rally had no permit. Hontiveros called on PNP Chief Ronald dela Rosa to immediately sanction all police personnel responsible for the violent dispersal. She added that although an investigation is welcome, there is enough compelling evidence to merit the filing of administrative and criminal charges. “I expect that the PNP top brass will enforce the law to the fullest and swiftly exact accountability,” Hontiveros said, She also called on the President as the Commander-in-Chief to ensure professionalism and discipline in the police force. “The President cannot convince the public that the country is now safer when the police force disrespected human rights,” the senator said. E
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