Probe into US embassy dispersal underway
MANILA — Philippine National Police Director General Ronald dela Rosa yesterday assured the public that the police officers involved in the violent dispersal outside the US embassy are now being investigated.
“With what transpired at Roxas Boulevard in Ermita, Manila yesterday, an investigation and full review is underway and necessary sanctions will be levied on any personnel guilty for putting lives at risk,” Dela Rosa said in a statement.
Dela Rosa said he ordered National Capital Region Police Office Regional Director Chief Superintendent Oscar Albayalde to place all the officers involved in the dispersal under administrative relief to ensure the impartiality of the probe.
Hundreds of protesters gathered to demand an end to the presence of US troops in the country and to back a call for an independent foreign policy by President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday. The protest turned violent after a clash between rallyists and Manila police.
Some protesters were arrested after the dispersal operation.
"Napanood ko ang video at nakakalungkot at nakakagalit. I saw people got hurt. Ayaw na ayaw ko na may nasasaktan na Pilipino. But I cannot let emotions get the best of me. As chief of the PNP, I have a duty and moral obligation to look into this squarely, and deal with it swiftly and decisively,” Dela Rosa said.