Cops Arrest Protester After Injuring DOJ Security Guard During Rally
A protester was arrested after allegedly injuring a security guard from the Department of Justice (DOJ) with spray paint during a rally.
On Thursday (July 18, 2024), the Manila Police District arrested a 35-year-old protester after allegedly injuring a security guard during a rally. The suspect was caught vandalizing the DOJ wall when the incident happened.
The security guard approached the suspect during the rally, which was organized by Bayan Southern Tagalog. When the guard tried to stop him, the protester reportedly hit the guard with the spray paint can, causing an injury.
MPD spokesperson, PMaj. Philipp Ines confirmed that the guard identified the suspect, leading to his arrest. The injured guard was immediately taken to the hospital for treatment.
“Sinita siya. Yun nga, pinukpok niya ito gamit ang spray paint na naging dahilan kung bakit nagkaroon ng injury,” said Ines.
“Nasita siya doon dahil hayagan niyang nakita na pinipinturahan ang pader ng DOJ. Nakitang may paglabag doon at bawal naman, kaya mayroon [siyang] reklamong physical injury at vandalism,” she added.
Jianred Faustino, a paralegal from Bayan Southern Tagalog, emphasized the need for a thorough investigation. He mentioned that the rally was part of their SONA caravan.
Faustino also pointed out that more details need to be reviewed from the CCTV footage to understand the situation fully.
According to Faustino, the commotion began just as the program was ending, with security guards and some rally participants involved in the commotion. He insisted that the suspect was not responsible for the assault on the guard and had no involvement in the vandalism.
“Firm si sir na hindi siya yung sumuntok sa security guard na naagrabyado. So far, mas nag-aalam pa tayo ng impormasyon kasi ang nakita lang talaga sa CCTV, may mga nagba-vandal sa pader tapos may mga lumapit na security guards,” Faustino added.
The group is unsure who the individuals caught on CCTV vandalizing the DOJ wall are, as Bayan Southern Tagalog is an alliance of various organizations. They are still identifying the people involved.
The DOJ security guard declined to speak with the media, and the DOJ has not yet issued a statement about the incident.
The suspect is currently detained at the Ermita Police Station, facing charges related to physical injury and vandalism.
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