A commander of New People's Army was among those arrested after the violent dispersal of protesting farmers in Kidapawan, North Cotabato, the Philippine National Police spokesperson said Friday.
In press conference, Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor said a number of rallyists were arrested, including an individual reported to be an NPA commander from Brgy. Basak, Magpet, North Cotabato. He, however, did not provide the name of the person.
He added that it was the protesters who first attack the policemen.
Mayor said around 4,000 people from several farmers, indigenous peoples, and cause-oriented groups assembled on the Cotabato-Davao Highway, Kidapawan City Thursday morning to raise their concern on El Nino and the non-distribution of rice from the National Food Authority.
He said the Provincial Governor Emilou Mendoza and other North Cotabato mayors talked with the protesters prompting sections of the crowd to disperse and head back to their communities.
However, many of the protesters refused to clear the area continued with their protest in one of the major transportation arteries of Mindanao.
Mayor said when the group's permit to rally lapsed Friday morning, acting upon guidance from Mendoza, combined PNP troops under the police district and Senior Supt Alexander Tagum conducted an operation to clear the national highway and, in coordination with the DSWD, rescue minors who were allegedly part of the picket line.
He added before the PNP could start their operation, protesters attacked them with poles and pieces of wood.
"Large rocks were also thrown at the policemen, and at the stationary fire truck deployed to the area. A commotion followed, which resulted in injuries to policemen and rallyists," he said.
He added, as of last count, 40 policemen have been injured, with two of them in critical condition due to head trauma.
He said they are consolidating information as regards the injured and a reported casualty on the side of the rallyists. He further said all those injured were immediately brought to nearby hospitals to receive proper medical care.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/561202/news/regions/npa-commander-among-arrested-in-kidapawan-dispersal-says-pnp
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.