9 arrested as police disperse ASEAN Summit protesters - KMU, ACT

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Nine individuals were reportedly arrested as police stopped protesters from marching to the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Complex in Pasay City, where the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits are being held.

Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) condemned what it described as the “violent” dispersal of protesters attempting to march from Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila to Pasay City.

In a report by Super Radyo dzBB's Christian Maño, KMU said several other protesters were also hurt during the incident, accusing Manila Police District personnel of harassment.

Meanwhile, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) also denounced what it called “police brutality” against protesters at Liwasang Bonifacio.

In a separate report by Super Radyo dzBB's Isa Avendaño-Umali, ACT said the protesters only wanted to be heard and air their concerns. The group also said it would not be intimidated by threats from law enforcers.

Various groups had earlier announced plans to march to the CCP Complex, where the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), the main venue of the summit, is located. They maintained that they intended to hold a peaceful rally.

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), meanwhile, said on Saturday that police would exercise maximum tolerance during rallies but would not allow protesters to get near the ASEAN Summit venue.

NCRPO spokesperson Police Lieutenant Colonel Hazel Asilo said ground commanders would instead negotiate with rally organizers and ask them to hold their protests in other areas where they could peacefully air their grievances.— Vince Angelo Ferreras/MCG, GMA News