PNP to Activists: Adhere to Law After BGC Clash

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has issued a strong reminder to cause-oriented groups that they are not above the law, following an incident where 43 individuals, including police officers and activists, sustained injuries during a protest outside a hotel in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig on Thursday. PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stated that the injuries could have been avoided had the activists conducted their activities peacefully and within legal boundaries. "We urge cause-oriented groups to raise their concerns through lawful means and avoid actions that endanger public safety," he said in a statement. The protest, involving approximately 300 activists, was against the Luzon Economic Corridor and the proposed Pax Silica, a United States-led initiative at New Clark City in Tarlac. The situation escalated when some protesters attempted to breach the human security barricade in front of the Grand Hyatt Hotel, resulting in injuries to 16 police officers who suffered bruises, wounds, and lacerations. Rally organizers reported that 27 protesters also sustained injuries during the confrontation. "We regret that injuries were sustained, but we will ensure that our response is reviewed and that proper procedures were followed," Nartatez added. Furthermore, five paralegal officers from the groups—Kenneth Castor, Jona Yang, Daya Juliano, Riezzlle Novillos, and Ramon Placido—were arrested during the incident. PNP spokesman Col. Allen Rae Co stated that the arrested protesters would face charges including alarm and scandal, resistance and disobedience to a person in authority, direct assault, tumult and other disturbances of public order, and violations of Batas Pambansa 880, also known as the Assembly Act.