MAKABAYAN lawmakers have filed a resolution seeking an investigation into the police's use of a sonic weapon to disperse protesters against US President Donald Trump's visit to the country for the Southeast Asian summit last week.
House Resolution 1481 cites Article III Section 4 of the 1987 Constitution, which states that no law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech or the right of the people to peaceably assemble and petition the government for redress and grievances.
Last November 13, the Philippine National Police used a long range acoustic device (LRAD) and water cannon against an estimated 1,000 protesters who were marching towards the US Embassy along Roxas Boulevard.
More than 50 protesters, denouncing Trump's attendance to the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nation summit, were injured, according to Gabriela Women's Party, a member of the Makabayan bloc.
"The use of a long range audio device (LRAD) or any devices to prevent protesters from voicing out their demands to the government is a manifestation of the increasing fascism of the government and inhibits the people's freedom of expression," the resolution reads.
Signatories of the resolution are: Gabriela Reps. Arlene Brosas and Emmi de Jesus; Bayan Muna Party-list Rep. Carlos Zarate; ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro and Antonio Tinio; Anakpawis Party-list Rep. Ariel Casilao; and Kabataan Rep. Sarah Elago.
The representatives from Gabriela earlier called the LRAD as the "latest anti-people weapon," which reportedly causes hearing trauma, permanent hearing loss and lingering headaches.
The group said its use by riot police represents "a new level of state violence." Brosas noted that the use of LRAD is increasingly being challenged in other countries particularly in the US. (SunStar Philippines)