5 police officers injured in a protest rally in Manila

(UPDATE) At least five police officers were injured when riot police clashed with members of militant groups during a Bonifacio Day protest on Recto Avenue in Manila on Saturday.

The altercation took place as authorities blocked protesters from marching to Mendiola, a historic site symbolic of rallies and demonstrations.

Maj. Manila Police District (MPD) spokesman Philip Ines said law enforcement is considering legal action against the protesters involved.

SHOCK Protesters clash with riot police during a rally in Manila on November 30, 2024, marking the 161st birth anniversary of national hero Andres Bonifacio. They were joined by labor groups and other cause-oriented organizations that demanded higher wages and lower prices of basic goods. The story on A8 PHOTO BY FRANCIS R. MALASIG/EPA-EFE

“Although we respect the right to freedom of speech and expression, Mendiola is not designated as a Freedom Park and demonstrations are not allowed in that area,” he said.

The injured officers are receiving medical attention while MPD reviews the incident to determine responsibility for the violence.

Protesters gathered to mark Bonifacio Day, an annual event commemorating the legacy of Gat Andres Bonifacio, a Filipino revolutionary hero. The groups voiced their opposition to various government policies, although the specific grievances raised during the rally were not immediately disclosed.

The clash erupted when riot police blocked protesters heading towards Mendiola, a location often associated with political activism but recently banned from protest action.

The authorities reiterated their position on maintaining peace during the demonstrations.

“We are calling for peaceful and legal protests to ensure public safety,” Ines said. Law enforcement officials stressed the importance of respecting designated protest areas, such as freedom parks, to avoid similar incidents.

At the time of writing, the militant groups involved in the protest action have yet to issue a statement regarding the incident. Witnesses said tension arose when demonstrators tried to breach police lines, leading to a clash.

Mendiola has long been a focal point for protests due to its proximity to Malacañan Palace. Despite its historical role as a place for free speech, recent policies have restricted demonstrations in the area to prioritize security and order.