PNP Acting Chief visits injured cops after chaotic anti-corruption rally
• PNP Acting Chief PLTGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. visited police officers injured during an anti-corruption rally that turned violent
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• At least 121 police personnel were reported injured during the clashes in Manila
• Authorities stated that the violence was initiated by a small group of protesters who threw rocks, bottles, and incendiary devices
• The PNP exercised maximum tolerance, refraining from using firearms, which authorities say prevented further casualties
Acting Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. has visited police personnel who were injured during a chaotic anti-corruption protest in Manila on Sunday, September 21.
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The rally, which began peacefully, turned violent as some groups clashed with law enforcement officers in the vicinity of Ayala Bridge, Mendiola, and Recto Avenue.
During his hospital visit, Nartatez commended the officers for their professionalism and composure while facing a volatile situation.
He assured them that their sacrifices in maintaining peace and order were recognized and valued by the entire PNP organization.
According to a report from the Manila Police District (MPD), at least 121 police officers sustained injuries in the unrest.
Separately, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed that while many were injured on both sides, there were no reported fatalities.
The violent turn of the protest contrasted sharply with the overall peaceful nature of the demonstrations held in other parts of Metro Manila, particularly in Luneta and along EDSA.
Authorities noted that a small, aggressive group was responsible for the clashes, which included hurling rocks, bottles, and even Molotov cocktails at police lines.
Despite the use of such dangerous projectiles, authorities maintained that the PNP personnel did not use firearms, instead exercising maximum tolerance as directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
This restraint, while resulting in more injuries for the police, was praised for preventing a more violent outcome.
The PNP has since launched an investigation to identify the individuals who instigated the violence and to determine the full extent of the damage.
Charges, including direct assault, physical injuries, and arson, may be filed against those who are found to be responsible.
The incident has cast a shadow on the peaceful nature of the broader anti-corruption movement and has prompted calls for a more thorough screening of participants to prevent such violent elements from joining future rallies.
The PNP has announced that it will remain on heightened alert in key areas of Metro Manila to prevent a repeat of the violence.
News, photos, or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, this could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable stories.
In related news, one unidentified male died from a stabbing during the Sept. 21 anti-corruption protest in Recto, Manila. The DOH said 48 others were hospitalized, including two cops with minor injuries. Six protesters sustained serious conditions such as gunshot wound, eye trauma, and head trauma. Health Secretary Ted Herbosa assured all patients are covered by Zero Balance Billing.
It can also be recalled that the protest in Mendiola on Sept. 21 turned violent when rallyists stormed a SOGO Hotel branch. SOGO OIC Lorenzo Junio confirmed that the hotel’s vault was emptied during the break-in. A security guard was injured while several guests were inside their rooms during the chaos. Police are investigating the looters, as organizers condemned the violence and urged peaceful protest.
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Source: KAMI.com.gh
