Quezon City Police District files raps vs Manibela leaders

MANILA, Philippines — Criminal complaints were filed against leaders of transport group Manibela for staging a strike last week.

The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) on Friday filed charges of violating Batas Pambansa 880 or the Public Assembly Act, alarm and scandal and resistance and disobedience to persons in authority against Manibela chairman Mar Valbuena and Regie Manlapig, the president of the group’s chapters in Bulacan and Pampanga before the office of the city prosecutor.

QPCD director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said the cases are in connection with the transport strike held by Manibela from June 10 to 12, including a rally held in front of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) last Monday, which caused a traffic jam along East Avenue, a major thoroughfare.

Demonstrators also blocked traffic along Quezon Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue, Maranan said.

He said that the QCPD attempted to hold a dialogue, which the groups’ leaders refused. The group could not show a permit from the city government allowing it to stage the protest, according to Maranan.

Despite the QCPD’s plea, Maranan said Valbuena refused to cooperate and continued with the protest.

Maranan noted that the charges are separate from the complaints of physical injuries that dzRH reporter Val Gonzales would file against members of Manibela.

Gonzales claimed Manibela members ganged up on and punched him while he was covering the group’s rally in front of the LTFRB.

Valbuena, for his part, accused Gonzales of being biased against the group in his report.