PNP assures support to cops injured in US Embassy rally dispersal

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 21): PNP assures support to cops injured in US Embassy rally dispersal

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday expressed its support to the policemen who were injured during the dispersal of a rally held in front of the United States Embassy in Roxas Blvd., Ermita, Manila on Wednesday.

The rally of cause-oriented and indigenous peoples groups that ended in a violent dispersal injured 32 policemen from the Manila Police District (MPD) and 20 rallyists.

The incident also caused the administrative relief of nine MPD officials and "restrictive custody" for some 40 policemen assigned in the rally site.

"We are here to assure all of you that you have our full support. For those who are injured, medical assistance will be provided. Legal assistance will also be provided if needed," National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director Chief Supt. Oscar Albayalde said during his visit to the MPD Headquarters in UN Avenue, Manila on Friday.

"We do not agree with any lapses should there be any. However, we also would like to make sure that those who performed their job will be properly acknowledged," Albayalde added.

All those relieved from post and all who are under restrictive custody, he said, "we implemented this to pave way for the investigation."

Likewise, Albayalde also expressed his gratitude for the presence of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), National Police Commission (Napolcom), Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Internal Affairs Service (IAS) for the ongoing investigation.

The CIDG is now conducting an investigation into the incident to determine the "lapses" which may have been committed during the violent dispersal as well as the liability of those involved.

"I am sure that the truth will prevail. Whatever actions done, we take responsibility for it. We value the life of every Filipino and we assure the public that in the performance of our duty, we give the highest regard for it," Albayalde said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=933457