Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Sec. Judy M. Taguiwalo today visited protestors wounded and hurt yesterday during the Manila Police District’s violent dispersal of the rally in front of the US Embassy.

Sec. Taguiwalo first went to the Western Police District to speak to the police officers involved in the dispersal operations. She spoke to three of the officers who  told her that none of them sustained serious injuries.

“I asked to hear their version of what happened yesterday and asked about their injuries. None of them were hurt enough to need to be taken to the hospital. They said that the videos of the skirmish that are now circulating speak for themselves and show what really happened. I agreed, ” she said.

Then Sec. Taguiwalo went to the Philippine General Hospital to visit  the injured members of the national minorities and to determine what assistance the DSWD can provide them. She spoke at length to four of them. There are some 20 who were injured, including members of national minorities.

The DSWD NCR has provided each of them emergency financial assistance for their medical needs and hospital bills.

“We support the declaration of the Philippine National Police that it will conduct an internal investigation to get to the bottom of the violence that transpired yesterday,” Sec. Taguiwalo said.

“It is most unfortunate that such incidents of violence continue to take place despite the existence of the rules of engagement that our police officers should follow and implement. These rules are meant to protect civilians during mass actions and democratic protests as well as police officers as well. “

Sec. Taguiwalo said respect must come from both sides of the divide — protestors and police forces, , but it cannot be denied that the balance of power during protests and dispersals is definitely tipped in favor of the police because they are trained for physical confrontations and armed.

” Because of this, our police and other armed forces must always exercise restraint and circumspection during protests. They must not forget that their role is  to serve and protect the citizenry first and foremost.”#