A police officer was sprayed in the head by a rallyist he confronted along Kalaw Avenue in Manila on Friday, June 12, before the suspect managed to flee, according to authorities.

In a video released by the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), the confrontation was shown unfolding as the officer approached the suspect. During the incident, the suspect sprayed the officer in the head and managed to escape amid the commotion.

No further details were immediately available on the identity of the suspect, and authorities have yet to confirm what substance was used in the incident.

An Independence Day rally involving various militant groups pushed through Friday along Kalaw Avenue, drawing participants who called for various socio-political demands as part of the annual commemoration of Philippine independence, as reported by RH Edwin Duque

Kalaw Avenue remained closed to vehicular traffic as the rally continued, with authorities implementing road closures in the area.

Police forces were deployed and positioned at the corner of Kalaw Street and Orosa Street, where steel barricades and wire barriers were set up to control access and maintain order as the demonstration proceeded.