A Manila court on Wednesday issued an arrest warrant against a police officer who knocked down protesters eight years ago during a rally at the US Embassy in Manila.
The incident happened on October 19, 2016 when PO3 Franklin Kho drove his police mobile hitting several activists, who were holding a demonstration in support of then President Rodrigo Duterte’s call for the withdrawal of US troops from the Philippines.
Many individuals sustained injuries, prompting them to file a formal complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman, which has finally reached the court.
“After eight years, it’s good that the case was not forgotten,” said lawyer Ephraim Cortez, legal counsel for the victims.
“The evidence is clear. This was done publicly, and there is ample footage and numerous witnesses,” he added.
Despite the long wait, Cortez of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers sees this as a positive development. He is encouraging his clients to pursue the case to its conclusion.
“The cruelty of the act is evident. This is to end impunity and serve as a lesson to other police officers that they will be held accountable eventually. I hope they see this case through to the end,” the lawyer said.
Cortez plans to contact his clients to prepare them for the court proceedings. He said his last communication with them was in 2019.
The Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 7 of Manila has ordered Kho’s arrest on three counts of attempted homicide, with bail set at P36,000 per count. The Manila Police District is urging the accused cop to surrender.
Kho’s arraignment is scheduled for September 2, 2024.
