14 cops injured in clash with militants

ILOILO CITY, Philippines  – Fourteen police officers were injured when they clashed with members of militant groups during a rally in this city on Sunday.

Reports said about 800 militants threw stones, rotten eggs and human feces at a team of anti-riot policemen who tried to disperse them on Rizal street in Jaro district.

Senior Superintendent Cornelio Salinas, chief  of city police’s task group peace and order for APEC 2015, were protesting the holding of the APEC forum on food security at the Iloilo Convention Center (ICC).

The militants reportedly harassed photojournalist Guijo Dueñas, who was covering the rally.

Dueñas said he won’t press charges against the group, noting it was a mere case of misunderstanding.

Police arrested Joel Gepaya, chairman and coordinator of Alab Katipunan Panay.

Salinas said Gepaya, 52, of Guimbal, Iloilo, would be charged with direct assault physical injuries, alarm and scandal and malicious mischief, among other cases.

He said they are ready to file more charges if Dueñas would submit a complaint.