10 Philippine policemen injured in Manila street protest

At least 10 policemen were hurt in Manila among street demonstrators who calls for anti-president actions, local TV reported on Wednesday.

The injured policemen, including a precinct commander, were physically hit by demonstrators who pushed their way toward a gate of the presidential palace, where the government situates.

Senior superintendent Romulo Sapitula said the demonstrators' group defied the city's "no permit, no rally" policy regarding the anti-president rallies.

He said policemen tried to stop the group from marching near the presidential palace. He and nine policemen were hurt by demonstrators after they tried to drive away the ralliers using only their anti-riot shields, he added.

Chief superintendent Pedro Bulaong, Manila police director, earlier ordered policemen not to use truncheons in dispersing unauthorized street protests.

However, he said, authorities are allowed to have their anti-riot shields to prevent unruly ralliers from hitting them with sticks and rocks.

Source: Xinhua