PNP Chief: No Harassment in Dispersal of ASEAN Meeting Protesters

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. vehemently denied any "harassment" by law enforcers during the dispersal of protesters who rallied outside the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Speaking to reporters in Pasay City, Nartatez stated, "The rallyists were the one provoking." He asserted that no police officers cursed at or mistreated the protesters. The PNP chief emphasized that the area was a "no-rally zone" and that the gathering lacked the necessary permits, arguing that it was inappropriate to present such a scene to Asean guests. The protest, organized by groups like Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, opposed the US-led "Pax Silica" initiative, which plans to establish an AI manufacturing hub in New Clark City. Demonstrators raised concerns about potential community displacement and environmental protection. Reports indicated that some photojournalists were confronted by law enforcers and prevented from photographing the arrest of protesters, with one journalist's camera reportedly damaged during the encounter. Nartatez responded, "There was? Then, they should go to the police station and file a complaint," indicating an investigation into the incident. Earlier on Wednesday, the PNP had issued a statement vowing to investigate the incident and take "appropriate administrative and other legal actions" if personnel were found to have failed to observe existing laws, policies, and operational procedures. The Asean meeting was expected to be attended by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and was set to discuss regional issues and economic cooperation. Source: Inquirer NewsInfo