Charges filed vs militant leader in Tarlac protest rally

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — Police on Thursday formally filed charges against a militant leader who allegedly threw stones at anti-riot policemen resulting in the injury of two police officers during a recent protest rally outside the RCBC compound in Barangay Balete, Tarlac City.

Charged with direct assault and serious disobedience and resistance to an agent or persons in authority was Alyansa ng Manggagawang Bukid ng Asyenda Luisita (AMBALA) chairperson Florida Sibayan, who, together with members of other militant groups, staged a rally Wednesday in commemoration of the Hacienda Luisita massacre.

While police authorities exercised maximum tolerance in preventing the militant groups, Sibayan and some 150 militant members reportedly became unruly and tried to forcibly enter the RCBC compound.

During the encounter, two police officers — SPO1 Rolly Marzan, a member of Sta. Ignacia Municipal Police Station; and PO1 Arnold John Abella, a member of Provincial Public Safety Company PPSC; sustained injuries.

Meanwhile, another case of malicious mischief is also set to be filed against Sibayan and other militant members for destroying the RCBC’s concrete fence with the use of sledge hammer and farm equipment, incurring a damage amounting to PHP1.6 million pesos.

Sibayan is presently under the custody of Tarlac Police Provincial Office. (Froilan Magtoto/PNA)

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