By: Jaimie Rose Aberia
Militants trying to get to Mendiola clashed with police along Recto Avenue in Manila, resulting in the injury of a cop yesterday.
The groups, led by Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), converged at Liwasang Bonifacio Thursday morning before marching to Mendiola, where pro-Duterte groups also gathered.
Rallyists, whom police estimated at 1,200, were blocked by some 500 cops from the Manila Police District (MPD) when they reached Loyola Street corner Recto Avenue.
A brief clash ensued, during which a cop was hit by a sharp stick in the head. The rallyists took a step back after firefighters trained their hose on them.
University-belt Police Community Precinct commander Senior Inspector Jobie Senario said they have yet to confirm the name of the cop, but he was already brought to MPD clinic for treatment.
He also said that they stood their ground despite being hurt because they wanted to prevent bigger clashes.
“We exercised maximum tolerance, but kahit sinugod kami we stood our ground para hindi sila makalapit sa Mendiola,” Senario said.
Meanwhile, protesters continued their program and burned an effigy of President Duterte, which they dubbed “BullyDog.”
KMU members expressed their opposition to a revolutionary form of government.
