Amnesty: Police used ‘unlawful force’ in Sept. protests

 NOBEL laureate Amnesty International Philippines condemned the Philippine National Police for the “unlawful targeting” of protesters using “unnecessary and excessive force” during anti-corruption marches in September.

Jerrie Abella, a regional campaigner for the group, said they interviewed 10 people who testified to facing physical abuse by police following the Sept. 21 demonstrations in Manila.

“The disturbing evidence we have gathered of unlawful force unleashed by the police against protesters and others on 21 September makes a mockery of the Philippine government’s repeated claim that it exercises ‘maximum tolerance’ during protests,” Abella said.

The group released its findings ahead of planned nationwide protests on Nov. 30, warning against a repeat of the alleged atrocities.

“The police must change course and respect people’s right to protest on 30 November and beyond,” Abella said.

One interviewee, identified only as “Rey,” recalled three men in civilian clothes grabbing and punching him in the face as he tried to flee. An unknown individual filmed the assault, which Rey later found online and presented to Amnesty.

“Police in uniform joined in to punch, kick and hit me with their batons. I briefly lost consciousness but woke up to pain as they dragged me by my hair,” Rey told the group.

Amnesty’s research indicates that police also violently targeted peaceful protesters and bystanders.

Omar, 25, said he was observing the protests on Mendiola Street when police arrested him on accusations of inciting violence. He alleged that as arresting officers escorted him, other policemen struck him with batons. 

He described being detained in a tent with about 14 others, including a man with blood dripping from a head wound after being pistol-whipped by an officer.

ROUNDED UP. Manila SWAT officers escort a handcuffed man during a police operation. According to Amnesty International, police have arrested bystanders and construction workers near Mendiola Street, accusing them of inciting violence during recent protests. Photo courtesy of Altermidya

Also arrested were Ahmed, 17, and his relatives Yusuf, 18, and Ali, 19 — all construction workers living near the protest site. The three said they had gone out to buy rice and were waiting for police permission to cross the area to return to work when officers took them into custody.

“The police took us to a tent where they hit us with their batons. They punched us in the face and kicked our torsos,” Ali told Amnesty. 

He added that they were subsequently detained and accused of attacking police.

Abella said police deployed to protests must adhere to international standards, including the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials.

“Philippine authorities have an obligation to maintain law and order but also to respect and protect the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Charges against people arrested solely for exercising these rights must be dropped,” Abella said.