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Friday, June 10, 2005
Police clash with anti-Arroyo protesters (3:05 p.m.)
MANILA -- Police clashed Friday with left-wing protesters accusing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of cheating in last year's elections, amid heightened political tensions in the country, authorities and witnesses said.
At least 12 people were injured, including four officers, and three protesters were arrested, according to police and demonstrators.
About 500 activists from the militant farmers group KMP tried to push their way to the presidential palace and hurled stones at officers blocking their path, Senior Police Officer Modesto Francisco said.
Some protesters carried placards reading: "Gloria, corrupt, resign now!"
After pushing and shoving from both sides, police aimed a water cannon at the crowd, but the protesters refused to disperse, Francisco said.
Rally organizers said eight protesters were hurt and officials said at least four officers were hospitalized.
Police estimated 500 people took part in the rally, but journalists at the site said up to 3,000 turned out.
The activists accused Arroyo of committing "crimes against the people," including fixing the 2004 election, land grabbing and a crackdown on government critics.
In a bid to calm political tensions, fueled by coup rumors, Arroyo on Thursday denied allegations of electoral fraud and said they were part of a plot to unseat her.
The accusations, first made during the May 2004 elections, surfaced anew this week with the release of an alleged wiretapped conversation between Arroyo and an election official.
The President is also facing allegations that her son and brother-in-law, both House representatives, received kickbacks from illegal gambling operators. Both men have denied the charges.
Police and the military went on alert in the capital ahead of Independence Day on Sunday, warning that unauthorized rallies will not be allowed. (AP) |
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