Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Police Officer 3 Franklin Kho insisted it was “self-preservation” when he rammed rallyists with his official car during a protest in front of the U.S. Embassy last October 19.
“Wala po akong planong manakit. Hindi ko na po nakikita ang daan dahil maraming pintura ang salamin ng sasakyan at maraming pumapalo sa paligid ko,” he said at a hearing in the House of Representatives Tuesday.
But some lawmakers do not believe his explanation.
In a video they showed, Bayan Muna Representative Carlos Zarate noted there were no people around the vehicle when it began to move. He said Kho rammed the vehicle on purpose to disperse the crowd.
“Sinadya niya na gawing battering ram para ma-disperse because at that time, meron nang order of dispersal from Superintendent Pedrozo,” Zarate charged.
The congressman also showed a video of Kho pulling the hair of a rallyist inside a jeepney as they were about to leave.
“Very clearly hindi maximum tolerance ang pinakita ng ganitong pulis sa raling iyon at kailangan managot siya,” he said.
Related: PNP says police driver, commander liable in the violent U.S. Embassy rally dispersal
Manila Police District Deputy Director for Operations Senior Superintendent Marcelino Pedrozo admitted telling Superintendent Albert Barot — the ground commander during the protest — to disperse the rallyists because they were getting rowdy.
He explained this was only a recommendation since the ground commander had the last say, but lawmakers pointed out that Pedrozo is higher in rank than Barot.
Zarate expressed hope Congress would review and amend Batas Pambansa 880, which ensures the people’s right to peaceably assemble, to prevent violent dispersal of rallies.
