The police contingent that blocked the indignation rally at the corner of Maginhawa and Makadiyos streets leading to Camp Karingal appears to have violated Item a, Section 3, Rule 23 on Rallies and Demonstrations of the Philippine National Police’s operational procedures that prohibit civil disturbance management operatives from carrying firearms during rallies and demonstrations.

While the police personnel were forming a line to block the protesters, an officer was heard shouting, “O, ang mga baril!” He did not order the firearms collected and brought back to the camp however. His troops just unholstered the guns and tucked them in their pants where these remained throughout the rally.

Progressive groups and media organizations held an indignation rally last Friday, December 11, to protest the arrest of journalist Lady Ann Salem and six trade union organizers last Thursday, December 10, International Human Rights Day, the police allege are members of a criminal gang in possession of various guns, explosives and ammunition. # (Raymund B. Villanueva)