Cops break up rally in Manila

Anti-riot police rounded up six persons calling for justice for the July 27 mutineers during a rally in front of the Supreme Court building in Manila yesterday morning.

Arrested were Rogelio Megano, 49, a Caloocan City traffic enforcer; Joselito de Leon, 43, a vendor; Nilo Discaya, 38; Roberto Cabalat, 48; Sarah Jane Rosales, 49; and Renz Escobar, 32.

Police said Escobar is the vice president of Alternatibong Kilos Tugon sa Iisang Bayan (AKTIB), an organization allegedly affiliated with the pro-Estrada People’s Movement Against Poverty (PMAP).

Elements of the Western Police District‘s anti-riot unit rounded up the six rallyists at around 10 a.m. yesterday, some 30 minutes after they started the rally.

The protesters, who were joined by members of the Kapit Bisig Masang Pilipino (KBMP), were also pressing for the immediate resignation of Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario Davide.

WPD spokesman Chief Inspector Gerry Agunod said the rallyists had no permit to hold a rally, prompting anti-riot cops to arrest them.

"Apart from illegal assembly, nanggulo pa sila habang nagrarally kaya hinuli ng mga pulis," Agunod said.

He warned other rallyists, regardless of their affiliation, to first secure permits from the Manila City Hall or face dispersal by the police.

"We are not trying to suppress the freedom to express one’s opinion, but every group must follow the ‘no permit, no rally policy’ of the government," Agunod explained. – Cecille Suerte Felipe