6 cops, 10 protesters hurt in anti-Trump rally

SIX policemen and 10 militants were hurt in a clash along Taft Avenue in Manila as protesters tried to make their way towards the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) where the 31st Association of the Southeast Asian Nation (Asean) leaders’ summit is held.

Manila Police District (MPD) director Joel Coronel said two of the injured protesters were brought to the hospital while the others were attended by the rescue and medical teams assigned in the area.

He said the clash happened after policemen tried to disperse the protesters who attempted to enter Padre Faura Street and march towards the US Embassy along Roxas Boulevard by the use of water cannons from the firetrucks of the Bureau of Fire Protection.

It happened minutes after President Rodrigo Duterte officialy opened the 31st Asean summit, Monday, November 13, which was attended by several state leaders including United States President Donald Trump.

The protesters were opposing Trump’s visit in the country which according to them may promote facism, war and militarism.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) earlier warned the protesters that security forces will not let them get near the event’s venue as they are only allowed to stage their picket rally at the freedom park.