CHR probes SONA clash

MANILA, Philippines -The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is investigating a clash that transpire between police officers and members of militant groups along Commonwealth Avenue during President Aquino’s State of the Nation Address Monday, an official said yesterday.

Lawyer Dennis Mosquera of the CHR-National Capital Region’s legal division, said they will verify if the rallyists have a permit and where they were allowed to gather.

He added that they will find out who really started the clash. “We noticed that around noon time, the protesters already crossed the center island. We would check until where, or what particular spot were they allowed by authorities to converge,” he said.

Mosquera also said they asked police officers and concerned groups to give them a copy of videos taken during the clash.

“We are also in the process of interviewing those who were injured and arrested during the rally last Monday. Those arrested said they are still conferring with their counsels if they’ll file a case against the police,” he said.

The clash occurred at Commonwealth Avenue after militants breached a barricade set up by policemen and tried to march near the Batasan Pambansa Complex, where the President was to deliver his SONA.

Ten protesters were arrested while at least 21 policemen and 41 protesters were injured in the incident.