MANILA – Eight individuals, including Bayan Muna chairperson Teddy Casiño, will face charges over a lightning rally at a hotel in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig City, on Thursday, the Southern Police District (SPD) said.

SPD chief Brig. Gen. Rodel Pastor said charges would be filed against Casiño, the rally organizers and protesters who were arrested during the demonstration.

“Cases shall be filed against Teddy Casiño, the rally organizers and the ones arrested who were part of the demonstrations. Yung mga naaresto, undergoing sila ng (Those arrested are now undergoing) inquest proceedings sa Taguig,” Pastor said during a press briefing at the SPD headquarters in Fort Bonifacio.

“Direct Assault, physical Injuries, Batas Pambansa 880 under illegal assembly and other possible cases shall be filed against Casiño and others,” he added.

According to the SPD, the demonstration started at around 9:09 a.m. Thursday and involved members of various sectoral groups.

Some protesters allegedly gained entry into the hotel by presenting themselves as customers. They initially appeared orderly and had no placards or other immediate signs of disruptive activity, police said.

Police personnel had already been deployed around the area as part of security preparations for the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA)-Luzon Economic Corridor Investment Forum being held at the hotel.

The situation escalated when a commotion developed and the demonstration began affecting traffic and normal operations in the area. Responding officers intervened and repeatedly directed the protesters to maintain order and peacefully disperse.

The SPD said some protesters allegedly resisted the police and physically assaulted responding personnel.

Sixteen police officers and five activists were injured as police and hotel security personnel worked to contain the situation, according to the SPD. Several officers reportedly sustained bruises, scratches and other injuries, with some left bloodied during the confrontation.

Despite the resistance, police personnel continued to exercise restraint, the SPD said.

The district said police intervention was necessary to restore order, protect the public and prevent the situation from escalating further. Protesters at one point briefly entered the hotel where the forum was being held.

Pastor also said police coordinated with hotel management regarding security and safety deployment, including the positioning of police personnel and civil-disturbance management teams.

In a separate briefing at Camp Crame, PNP spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co said the National Capital Region Police Office reported that the injuries sustained by police personnel included bruises, blunt wounds and lacerations.

“All affected personnel are currently receiving medical attention and treatment from the District Medical and Dental Unit (DMDU), NCRPO,” Co said.

Co added that hotel management would have to decide whether to file separate charges against the individuals or groups involved in the demonstration, which caused alarm and scandal.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said police officers focused on controlling the situation and ensuring the safety of everyone attending the event.

“The PNP exercised maximum tolerance during the incident. Our officers acted to maintain order and protect the safety of all participants at the forum,” he said.(PNA)