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Police say the protesters lacked a permit and that their leaders allegedly attempted to force their way into a hotel
BACOLOD, Philippines – Authorities used water cannons to disperse traditional jeepney operators and drivers protesting in Bacolod City on Wednesday, September 18, in a clash that left two police officers and a fireman injured.
The protesters allegedly responded by throwing stones at the authorities during the operation.
Police said the protesters lacked a permit and that their leaders allegedly attempted to force their way into a hotel.
Authorities arrested four public transport group leaders – Rodolfo Gardose, Eric Bindoy, Rudy Catedral, and Lilian Sembrano – along with two protesters, Melchor Umangayon and Shalimar Saleut, for alleged violations of Batas Pambansa 880, disobedience to authority, and obstruction of traffic.
The protesters, representing various transport groups, had been picketing in front of L’Fisher Hotel on Lacson Street, demanding the reinstatement of their jeepney franchises, which were revoked due to the government’s public transport modernization program.
They sought to air their grievances to Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) regional director Richard Osmeña, who was in Bacolod for the Visayas Public Transport Modernization Program Summit.
Bacolod police chief Colonel Joeresty Coronica said the protesters should have secured a permit, citing BP 880. He claimed officers repeatedly warned the crowd to disperse, but they refused.
The law, known as the Public Assembly Act of 1985, protects the right to peaceful assembly and petitioning the government. It defines public assemblies, outlines permit requirements, and sets guidelines for their conduct. It also prohibits acts that disrupt public order or threaten safety and mandates penalties for violations. Cities and municipalities are required to designate “freedom parks” where assemblies can occur without prior permits.
The use of water cannons was allegedly ordered by Coronica after protesters refused to vacate the area. In response, protesters allegedly threw stones, injuring two police officers and a fireman, and damaging a firetruck.
Pete Pico, chairman of Human Rights Negros Advocate, sharply criticized the police and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) for using “excessive force,” calling the dispersal a “fascist” show of power that curtailed protesters’ constitutional rights.
Pico disputed police claims of traffic obstruction, stating that protesters even helped manage traffic. He said the congestion only occurred after police and the BFP escalated the situation.
“These protesters aren’t criminals. They’re ordinary people fighting for their livelihoods. It was their chance to be heard by the LTFRB director,” Pico told Rappler.
Coronica also alleged that transport leaders attempted to enter the hotel and caused alarm.
“We will not take this lightly. The freedom of expression they claim isn’t absolute; there are limitations,” Coronica told local reporters.
The protesters’ legal counsel filed a writ of habeas corpus following the arrests of the transport leaders, seeking to bring the matter to court. – Rappler.com
