Giovanni Tapang, Ph.D.
Last Monday’s State of the Nation Address demonstrations turned violent when police forces started to push through the ranks of protesters while negotiations were going on between the ground commander and some leaders of the rally. Bagong Alyansang Makabayan Secretary-General Renato Reyes called the attack “premeditated treachery” and a “vicious suppression of dissent.” Around 41 protesters were injured and nine were “picked up” and brought to Camp Karingal in Quezon City.