Tensions arose between police personnel and militant groups at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila on Sunday, November 15, after authorities reportedly blocked demonstrators from marching toward the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), where activities related to the 49th ASEAN Summit are being held.
In an ambush interview by Val Gonzales, Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) Chairperson Jerome Adonis said the protesters had initially held a peaceful program at the park before attempting to march toward the summit venue to air their concerns.
Adonis claimed police officers blocked their route near an overpass, prompting an initial confrontation. He said the demonstrators eventually returned to Freedom Park after police commanders appealed to them to avoid worsening traffic.
However, Adonis alleged that tensions escalated again when police personnel punctured the tires of their sound system truck and attempted to confiscate their equipment as the protesters regrouped inside the designated protest area.
"Una, binutas yung gulong ng truck. Siyempre, walang iba. Klaro po 'yan. Hanay ng mga kapulisan 'yan. Wala namang ibang may intensyong butasin 'yan," Adonis said.
He added that protesters resisted the alleged attempt to confiscate their sound system, resulting in further clashes between the two sides.
Adonis estimated that fewer than 10 protesters had been arrested, although he said the group had yet to verify the exact number.
He also reported that a male demonstrator, initially identified as a member of their cultural group, allegedly lost consciousness after being beaten by police officers.
According to Adonis, their medical team attempted to assist the injured protester and bring him to a hospital for medical attention. However, he claimed that police officers instead placed the demonstrator inside a police vehicle and brought him to the Manila Police District (MPD).
"May isa kaming nasundan na walang malay dahil sinaktan, binugbog. Tapos kinukuha ng medik namin para dalhin sa ospital or macheck man lang, isinakay sa mobile at dadalhin daw sa Manila Police District," he said.
Adonis said their legal team and medical personnel were still trying to locate the individual and determine his condition.
Despite the clashes, the KMU chairperson maintained that their demonstration was legitimate and that they intended to continue asserting their right to protest and march toward the PICC.
"Nanindigan kami na lehitimo ang protesta. Lehitimo ang issue na nire-raise natin. Concern ito hindi lang ng protester, hindi lang ng manggagawa. Concern ito nating lahat," Adonis said.
He also criticized the government's handling of the demonstrations, questioning its commitment to democratic principles amid the restrictions imposed on protesters.
"Ang sabi ng gobyerno ni Bongbong Marcos, papayagan namin kayo magprotesta dahil nasa demokrasya tayo, mukhang hindi ganito ang nangyayari," he added.
Adonis held the MPD, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. accountable for the incident, while reiterating that the groups would regroup and discuss their next move.
He maintained that their intention remained to march toward the PICC as part of their protest against the ASEAN Summit.
Watch the full report below:
