Western Visayas Cops to File Charges against Protesters during Bacolod APEC Meeting

Iloilo City (PNA) — The Police Regional Office 6 will file charges against demonstrators who were involved in the violence during the conduct of demonstration during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting and arrival of President Benigno Aquino III last April 30 in Bacolod City.

If evidence warrants, a crime of physical injury will be filed against the protesters who hurled stones and wood to the Crowd Dispersal Management contingents (CDM) of PRO6.

Police Officer 1 Mary Joy Togonan and Police Officer 1 Edward John Timonan both members of Regional Public Safety Battalion 6 got injured after they were hurled and hit by protesters using a stone and placards.

The commotion started when policemen started to block their way going to the venue of APEC meeting since they have no permit to hold rally in that area, then, stones started flying from the directions of the rallyists.

However, Police Chief Superintendent Josephus G. Angan, regional director said that, “Despite of what happened, the organization is still committed to observe maximum tolerance among our protesters and will continue rendering duty to the people.”

Meanwhile, the hosting of APEC meeting in Bacolod last week was successful, secured, orderly, and peaceful. (PNA) LAP/PR/VLO