MANILA, Philippines — Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla yesterday condemned the violent acts allegedly perpetrated by a walk-in client at the Department of Justice Action Center (DOJAC).
In a statement, Remulla said the unnamed individual allegedly entered the DOJAC office with force and caused a disturbance on Thursday.
The individual also reportedly physically assaulted DOJAC personnel.
“It is imperative that we address this issue promptly and implement necessary policies and regulations to safeguard the safety and well-being of our staff,” Remulla said.
Also on Thursday, a security guard at the DOJ was wounded when he was hit by a can of spray paint by one of several protesters who staged a rally in front of the agency’s office in Manila.
According to the Manila Police District (MPD), a member of the militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Timog Katagalugan, identified only as a construction worker named JR, 53, pulled out a can of spray paint just as the group was about to end its program.
JR was spraying a message on the DOJ’s wall when the guard, identified only as KP, tried to stop him.
The protester reportedly hit KP on the head with the spray paint can, wounding the guard.
Anti-riot police arrested JR and brought KP to the Philippine General Hospital.
JR faces charges of physical injury and vandalism, according to the MPD.