MANILA – Approximately 100 activists from the Manilakbayan group congregated outside the house of President Benigno Aquino III along Times Street in Quezon City on Saturday morning to call for the President’s impeachment.
Three policemen assigned to the area were caught unaware by the protesters, who congregated in the area at 9 a.m, and managed to vandalize some parts of the Aquino residence with “Patalsikin si Noy! (Oust Noy!)”on the gate, and graffiti on the driveway.
Policemen called to the scene arrived past 10 a.m., after which a skirmish ensued between the activists and the authorities.According to Radio dzMM correspondent reporter Dennis Datu, the clash took place as the militant group was about to leave the area.
At least 12 officers were injured in the confrontation, as the demonstrators allegedly hurled sticks, rocks, and paint at the cops.
The activists, however, said that it was the cops who started the attack.
Police officials have taken activist leader and secretary general of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) Antonio Flores into custody, shortly after the incident.
The demonstrators will most likely be slapped with charges of vandalism and illegal assembly; Col. Pedro Sanchez – chief of Quezon City police station 2 – disclosed.