Militant labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno on Saturday condemned the suppression of protests during the recent Asia- Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Manila, saying the Aquino administration defended those responsible for the country’s poverty and the suffering of workers and the poor.
The group said from Nov. 16 to 19, excessive force was used by police and military men, who threatened militant leaders and demonstrators with lawsuits.
“Instead of respecting the Filipino workers’ and people’s right to assert that their demands be heard, the Aquino government responded with an overkill amount of force. It clearly sided with big capitalists and powerful governments against Filipinos,” said Jerome Adonis, KMU secretary-general.
He said eight activists from the labor sector were seriously hurt in the protest last Thursday along Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue in Pasay City, against which the police used truncheons.
Among those injured were Steve Ranjo and Genero Paredog, both members of the Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (PISTON) and Bironico Pardillo, Nilo Juayang, Sonny Aguinaldo, and Allan Bacara, all employees of Golden Fortune Techno Built Inc.
“We condemn the Aquino government and the PNP for their use of violence against protestors. We are studying the possibility of filing administrative charges against government and police officials involved before the Ombudsman,” said Adonis.
The group also condemned the PNP’s use of a loud speaker which played dance music to try to counter the sound coming from last Thursday’s protest and to disrupt rally program.
Four police officers were also hurt after the law enforcers engaged in a scuffle with the militant groups on that day. Joel Zurbano
The violent scuffle ensued when the protesters tried to enter the vicinity of Philippine International Convention Center, the official venue of the Apec meetings.
Bagong Alyansang Makabayan spokesperson Teddy Casiño also condemned the police’s action against the protesters.
“Once again, police have shown contempt for the people’s right to peaceful assembly and free speech. Not only did they prevent protesters from getting close to the Apec venue, which is the target of their message, but they also played loud music to drown out the message of truth and struggle against Apec,” he said.
PNP spokesman Wilben Mayor said the huge number of security forces deployed for the event was necessary and not an overkill. He added the preparation was intended to ensure the safety and security of delegates.
Mayor also said the police and military adopted maximum tolerance but they were considering filing necessary charges against the demonstrators who violated the laws.
“Let me reiterate our unequivocal position that any public assembly outside of the designated freedom parks is deemed illegal and will be addressed accordingly,” Mayor said. “The PNP fully respects the right of citizens peaceably to assemble, and express their sentiments as guaranteed under our democratic system.”
