Taguig city: Eight individuals, including Bayan Muna chairperson Teddy Casi±o, are facing charges following a lightning protest at a prominent hotel in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, according to the Southern Police District (SPD).
According to Philippines News Agency, the SPD held a press briefing at their headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, where SPD chief Brig. Gen. Rodel Pastor announced that charges would be filed against Casi±o, the organizers of the rally, and those arrested during the demonstration. "Those arrested are now undergoing inquest proceedings in Taguig," Pastor stated, listing charges such as Direct Assault, Physical Injuries, and violations under Batas Pambansa 880 for illegal assembly.
Pastor further explained that coordination with hotel management was established to ensure security and deploy police personnel and civil-disturbance management teams. The protest reportedly began around 9:09 a.m. on Thursday, involving members of various sectoral groups who initially entered the hotel as customers and appeared orderly.
Police were already present at the hotel due to the U.S. Trade and Development Agency-Luzon Economic Corridor Investment Forum taking place. When the protest disrupted traffic and operations, officers intervened to maintain order and urged the protesters to disperse peacefully.
Despite repeated instructions, some protesters resisted and allegedly assaulted police personnel, resulting in several officers sustaining injuries. The SPD reported that 16 police officers and five activists were injured during the incident. The PNP spokesperson, Col. Allen Rae Co, confirmed that injured personnel are receiving medical attention.
The PNP emphasized that police intervention was crucial to restore order and prevent further escalation. PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. highlighted that the police response aimed to control the situation and ensure everyone's safety at the forum, stating, "The PNP exercised maximum tolerance during the incident."
The decision to file additional charges against the individuals or groups involved in the demonstration is up to the hotel management.
