12 cops, firemen hurt in rally

MANILA, Philippines — Eight police officers and four firemen suffered injuries after members of militant groups attacked them during a rally in front of the US embassy in Manila on Saturday night.

They were taken to the Ospital ng Maynila for treatment.

The victims, who are members of the Manila Police District Mobile Force Battalion and Bureau of Fire Protection, filed a complaint with the MPD against the leaders of Migrante, Karapatan, Anakbayan, Anakpawis, Gabriela and Kabataan party-list group.

Senior Inspector Henry Navarro of the MPD general assignment and investigation section said the protesters held a program along Plaza Ferguzon and forced their way into the barricade in front of the embassy.

Navarro said the rallyists started throwing sticks and stones as the police and the firemen held their ground.

Authorities managed to disperse the protesters.

MPD chief of directorial staff Senior Superintendent Danilo Macerin said the police observed maximum tolerance, but they would press charges against the militants.