A number of protesters and police were reported injured in a rally today at the intersection of Taft ave. and Padre Faura st. in Manila. At least six police officers and 10 protesters were hurt, according to SunStar. The severity of injuries sustained is still unknown.
According to a report on CNN Philippines, left-aligned groups like Bayan Muna, Gabriela, Anakpawis, Kabataan, Act Teachers, KMP, KMU, Anakbayan, Migrante, Katribu, Kadamay, and Sandugo tried to march toward the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), where this year’s Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit is being held.
The marchers are protesting the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump, who arrived yesterday to attend the meeting.
READ: Filipinos share their thoughts on Trump’s upcoming PH visit
Earlier this morning, protesters unveiled an effigy of Trump with four arms that formed a swastika sign, with one arm holding a shovel, one holding a gun, one holding a missile, and the other, a money bag.
According to Renato Reyes of leftist Bagong Alanysang Makabayan (BAYAN), the three items symbolize “fascism, war, and plunder.” While the shovel symbolizes the “plunder” of Southeast Asian countries, according to CNN Philippines.
Water cannons were used to stop the protesters from getting any closer.
Militants protesters prepared this effigy of US President Donald Trump with swastika like arms. pic.twitter.com/kgio6q6qJS
— Niko Baua (@Nikobaua) November 13, 2017
While police have yet to release their crowd estimates, ABS-CBN News placed the number of protesters between 15,000 and 20,000 people.
WATCH: Police and protesters clashed on Padre Faura St in Manila. (Drone video courtesy of RPSB NCRPO). pic.twitter.com/Ry6UyBPRXd | @raffsantos
— ABS-CBN News Channel (@ANCALERTS) November 13, 2017
The number of protesters injured in the march is still unknown.
Marchers burned US flags at the Bonifacio shrine before attempting to make their way to the PICC, according to an Inquirer report.
Police told media they were exercising “maximum tolerance” even if the protests turn violent.
NOW: NCRPO chief Oscar Albayalde inspecting deployment of anti-riot police along Padre Faura in Manila. He is joined by MPD chief Joel Coronel. | @raffsantos pic.twitter.com/Rr8KbcdmTe
— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) November 13, 2017
“They seem to instigate [the police] to hurt them,” Metro Manila Police Chief Director Oscar Albayalde told CNN Philippines.
