MANILA — At least nine protesters, including a staff member of the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), were arrested while several others were injured after police dispersed a workers’ demonstration at Liwasang Bonifacio on Sunday, coinciding with the opening of the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.

Labor groups condemned the police operation, accusing the Manila Police District (MPD) of using excessive force against demonstrators who gathered at the designated freedom park to protest the visit of United States President Donald Trump and the proposed Pax Silica Deal.

All Workers Unity (AWU) said police, led by Police Major Roderick Dismaya, disrupted the program as workers, drivers and urban poor residents attempted to march toward the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

The group claimed that officers subsequently arrested protesters after the mobilization regrouped at Liwasang Bonifacio, where public assemblies do not require a permit.

Among those arrested was Carla Nicoyco, a staff member of KMU’s national office and KILOS NA! Manggagawa.

In a separate statement, KMU demanded the immediate release of Nicoyco, along with Domingo Marvin, a pier worker, Peter John Charles, a youth worker, and all other demonstrators arrested during the incident.

KMU accused police of carrying out several acts of violence and harassment, including throwing human waste at protesters, scattering nails along the truck’s route, puncturing its tires and taking a vehicle belonging to drivers.

The group also alleged that police seized speakers and megaphones to prevent demonstrators from conducting their program.

“Nasa freedom park lang kami. Mapayapa ang aming pagkilos. Pero dahas at pang-aaresto pa rin ang isinalubong sa amin ng PNP. Ito ang malinaw na pagpapakatuta sa dayuhan! Mas pinili ng gobyernong ito na durugin ang sarili nitong mamamayan kaysa pakinggan ang aming mga hinaing,” KMU Chair Jerome Adonis said.

“Habang halos wala nang makain ang mga manggagawa sa gitna ng walang-tigil na pagtaas ng presyo, batuta at posas ang isinasagot ng estado sa aming panawagan para sa disenteng sahod at maayos na buhay. Malinaw na ang mga pulis mismo ang mga kriminal! Hindi kami matatakot. Hindi kami mapapatahimik. Mas marami kaming babalik sa lansangan sa Nobyembre 17!”

Meanwhile, BIEN BGC also denounced the police operation, saying officers blocked the workers’ march toward the PICC and allegedly took the cellphone of its paralegal.

The group further reported attempts to arrest and drag away protesters even as negotiations between police and the workers were ongoing.

BIEN BGC said authorities should respect the workers’ constitutional rights to free expression and peaceful assembly, stressing that demonstrations should not be met with violence or harassment.

AWU called for the immediate release of all those arrested and the dropping of any charges against them. It also urged the Commission on Human Rights to investigate the incident and hold the Philippine National Police accountable.

Despite the dispersal, the group vowed to continue its planned protest against Trump’s arrival in the Philippines on November 17.

“Itinatago ni Marcos ang kahirapan pati ang paglaban!” Adonis said.