Since when did revolution in the Philippines become violent?
The Philippines was known for its peaceful means of protest. The EDSA revolution, also known as People Power Revolution where thousands of civil protesters gathered along Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue on February 22 to 25, 1986 to oust the dictator Ferdinand Marcos, was dubbed “bloodless” by the media all over the world. So it was really a shock to see this happen in the Philippines.
Protesters gathered in front of the U.S. Embassy to object the presence of American troops in the country. Then things got out of hand when the police began dispersing the crowd. In this video, a police truck rams through protesters. After which Protesters also began to retaliate. A report said a total of 35 policemen were hurt during the violent dispersal while 22 protesters suffered injuries.
Netizens were enraged by the incident.
I watched the video of PNP-MPD’s handling of the protesters in front of the US Embassy yesterday. That’s clearly attempted multiple murder.
— Mister Mark (@FilipinoScribe) October 20, 2016
“Violent protesters? Clearly it was the PNP who was dishing out the most gruesome violence during the protest.” https://t.co/Tb9rElVe8E
— Noemi L. Dado (@momblogger) October 20, 2016
With the PNP blatantly lying about running over protesters. How else can we believe their repeated rebuttal na “nanlaban lang kaya nabaril”
— Nat Dabuet (@natdabuet) October 19, 2016
Also TANGINA UNARMED PROTESTERS MGA ‘YAN BA’T NIYO SINASAGASAAN @PNP
— Leander T. Quilang (@DakilangLeander) October 19, 2016
ALERT!!!
Peaceful protest turned into violence when the PNP violently and brutally dispersed the protesters. Some are wounded and missing
— Jamjam? Pinpin! (@jamcaholic) October 19, 2016
Notable people have also reacted on the incident. Senator Bam Aquino has this to say.
Statement of Sen. Bam Aquino on the clash between protesters and the PNP earlier today [TB] pic.twitter.com/6B7htvrr7j
— Bam Aquino (@bamaquino) October 19, 2016
Anakbayan-UPLB also reacted saying they condemn this act of the Philippine National Police.
Read the official statement of Anakbayan-UPLB on THE PNP’S BRUTAL DISPERSAL OF PROTESTERS INCLUDING INDIGENOUS PEOPLE @ US EMBASSY TODAY. pic.twitter.com/dX2WUZ04Wj
— Anakbayan UPLB (@AnakbayanUPLB_) October 19, 2016
The Philippine National Police says there’s no reason for Manila police to ram through protesters. However, Metro Manila’s top cop says it would be wrong to label it as an instance of ‘police brutality.
PNP: No reason for Manila police to ram through protesters. Full story: https://t.co/mHy8yRr0Of pic.twitter.com/jlIZw4lMva
— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) October 20, 2016
What can you say about this incident? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
