Cover image via gmanews.tv
Police denied running over some rallyists in an anti-American protest that turned violent in front of the United States (US) Embassy in Manila on Wednesday. According to reports, the security forces were merely defending themselves from protesters attacking them.
"Hindi naman sila sinagasaan (They weren't run over). The rallyists were trying to flip over the patrol car," Chief Supt. Oscar Albayalde, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief, said in a text message to INQUIRER.net.
"In the process, the driver extricated the patrol car and inadvertently hit some unruly protesters who sustained minor injuries," he explained.
Albayalde also pointed out that there were casualties too from the police side, with 32 civil disturbance management cops injured. Their uniforms were also tainted with red paint.
However video shows the complete opposite of the said earlier statement
Protest leader Renato Reyes said at least three student activists were run over by the police van and taken to hospital.
Police were seen arresting several protesters, who earlier hurled red paint at a US government seal at the entry to the embassy, sparking a confrontation.
