Around 25 militant group members clashed with around 100 policemen in a picket outside the University of St. La Salle in Bacolod City where President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo gave a speech yesterday.

Six protesters led by Karapatan Negros secretary general Fred Caña were shouting their opposition to Republic Act 9372 or the Human Security Act at a sidewalk outside USLS when 10 police officers armed with fiberglass shields approached them at about 11 a.m. yesterday.

The pushing continued as the rallyists composed of KN, League of Filipino Students, Bayan, Anakbayan, and Anak Pawis members who carried placards were shoved by policemen into the middle of La Salle Avenue while cheering and booing students looked on.

The activists moved back and some of them eventually scattered when more police officers joined the dispersal and grabbed their placards.

Giovanni Tapion, an Anakbayan member sustained an injury on his face.

A Bureau of Fire Protection fire truck then approached the area as a fireman pointed a water cannon at the demonstrators lying on the ground.

In a statement, Bayan Negros secretary general Felipe Levy Gelle Jr. said he condemned the violent dispersal of the peaceful protest, adding that it reflected the Arroyo government's policy towards political dissent.

Police Senior Inspector Luisito Acebuche, one of the officers commanding the team that confronted the activists, said that they were just following orders and that they observed "maximum tolerance."

The police also said the demonstrators did not have a permit to stage a rally in the area and were obstructing the traffic.

Caña however, said that they were not blocking the streets and that they did not need a permit to express their grievances and to assemble peacefully.

Meanwhile, Bacolod City Police Office director Senior Supt. Ronilo Quebrar said that there was "no overkill" during the dispersal.

"There was no overkill. The officers didn't even have batons with them," Quebrar said.

He also said that the protesters did not have a permit and obstructing traffic along the La Salle Avenue which is why they were dispersed.

Quebrar also said that they were prioritizing the security in the area as Arroyo and a number of dignitaries at the USLS.

He cited the Alab Katipunan members led by Ben Solilapsi who staged their picket near the highway and far from USLS. Quebrar said that unlike the groups of Caña and Gelle, the AK members stayed at their designate place although around 50 policemen stood guard in front of them with their shields.*PP

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