The Philippine Online Chronicles

University of the Philippines (UP) president Alfredo Pascual has called for the release of student activists arrested during the dispersal of the planned “Occupy Mendiola” movement on Wednesday.

The Inquirer reports that at least five students, four of whom were confirmed to be from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), were brought to the Manila Police District (MPD) headquarters following the dispersal of around 500 protesters.

According to the Philippine Star, police said those arrested will be charged for violation of the Public Assembly Act, tumults and other disturbances of public order provision in the Revised Penal Code, resisting arrest, obstruction and being half naked in a public street.

At least 10 others were reportedly injured when police used truncheons and water cannons against the protestors as they were about to cross Chino Roces Bridge (formerly Mendiola Bridge).

“I ask the police and law and order authorities to immediately release the UP students who were arrested in the exercise of their Constitutional rights. The police should protect and uphold the rights of all citizens, including those who exercise their option to dissent,” said Pascual.

He added that the dispersal of the movement “[goes] against the core principles of democracy, transparency and accountability which are central in President Aquino's vision of Daang Matuwid and contrary to the call of the Aquino administration for active public participation in the governance of our country.”

Student activists, farmers and peasants and labor groups took part in the march which was meant to culminate in a “camp out” in Mendiola, inspired by the Occupy protest movements which began in the United States. The militants were protesting against the Aquino government's failure to deliver basic social services, as well as rising fuel prices and budget cuts in the health and education sectors.

ABS-CBN News reports that more rallies are planned in Mendiola from Thursday to Sunday to show solidarity with the Hacienda Luisita farmers, and to mark International Human Rights Day.

“Alarming and ironic”

The violent dispersal of protestors was condemned by Party-list Representatives Raymond Palatino (Kabataan), Teddy Casino and Neri Colmenares (Bayan Muna), Rafael Mariano (Anakpawis), Antonio Tinio (ACT Teachers), Luz Ilagan and Emmi de Jesus (Gabriela).

"The state violence exercised by the Aquino administration against the protesters is reminiscent of the Calibrated Pre-emptive Response (CPR) and other human rights violations under former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo,” they said in a press statement. “It is deeply alarming and ironic that the Aquino administration confidently inflicts violence against peaceful protesters during the international celebration of human rights week.”

MPD Station 3 commander Superintendent James Afalla however, said that, “They [protesters] have no permit. Mendiola Bridge is not a freedom park so they can’t just disturb the area with their protests. It is also near Malacañang, the seat of government, so what they are doing can be considered inciting [to] sedition.”