The Manila Police District (MPD) recommended that the nine rallyists from the Labor Day protests be subjected to a preliminary investigation under the Office of the Safety Prosecutor over various violations.

In a Monday report by RH 9 Tina Nolasco, MPD Chief Legal Service PCpt. Felino Nebato said the nine unnamed individuals are facing cases in relation to the violation of Article 153 of the Revised Penal Code, violation of the Public Assembly Act of 1985—due to staging a protest without a proper permit—Article 293 of the Revised Penal Code, Robbery, Assault, Serious Physical Injury, among others.

The cases stemmed from an incident that occurred at the intersection between TM Kalaw Avenue and Roxas Boulevard at Ermita on May 1, wherein several policemen were injured.

According to the MPD’s report, a number of the protesters became violent as they attempted to destroy the barricades erected by the police Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) Contingent.

Amid the tension, a rallyist reportedly assaulted a police officer and robbed another of his mobile phone, which was being used for field documentation, and proceeded to assault more officers.

In addition, protesters burned an effigy and other items on the road. When the police and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) attempted to respond to the fire, they barred authorities’ way in an aggressive confrontation, said the MPD.

The MPD said some of the protesters facing charges are members of the Kilusang Manggagawang Kababaihan and Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON).

Authorities are still identifying the five other suspects and their addresses through CCTV footage and coordination with relevant agencies in order to properly file cases against them.

On May 1, nine police officers were reportedly injured, with one sustaining skull and wrist injuries and another developing hematoma in one arm.