A standoff involving three buses that blocked both the northbound and southbound lanes of EDSA during an Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) "peace rally" near the EDSA People Power Monument on Tuesday left a police officer injured and caused major traffic disruption.
Philippine National Police (PNP) officials said the disruption began when a bus obstructed the major highway amid a gathering of protesters marking June 30 activities at the site, as reported by RH Val Gonzales.
Police Major General Anthony Aberin said the situation escalated when the bus allegedly moved back and forth in what authorities described as an attempt to block the roadway.
“Nag-atras abante yung bus in his attempt na barahan itong EDSA. Dahil sa attempt niyang iyon ay may naipit na police woman. Tinakbo sa ospital,” Aberin said, confirming that a female police officer was pinned during the incident and rushed to a hospital.
According to a report by Jecelle Ricafort, at least five individuals had been arrested as of this writing after tensions escalated at the scene.
“Yung iba hindi driver kasi nanapak yung isa,” Aberin said, noting that one of those taken into custody was arrested for allegedly assaulting another person.
Authorities said efforts to clear the affected portion of EDSA were delayed after the bus driver reportedly left the vehicle with the key, preventing its immediate removal.
“Hindi pa naki-clear [ang EDSA busway] kasi umalis yung driver kasama ang susi, hinihintay natin ang tow truck na mag-tow dito,” Aberin said.
While waiting for the tow truck, police personnel pushed the bus to partially reopen the roadway and ease traffic congestion.
“Pipilitin natin i-clear just like what happened now itinulak natin sila,” he said.
The PNP said additional personnel would be deployed to the area as more demonstrators continued to gather near the monument.
