The Kabataan Partylist Negros condemns in the strongest possible terms the violent dispersal of 12 of its members by 50 policemen headed by PSSupts. Guara and Dejucos, resulting in the mauling of their members especially of Kabataan Party Negros Coordinator Heinrich Pacheco.

"The cuts and bruises suffered by Mr. Pacheco were due to the punches and forced dispersal. The use of truncheons by members of the Philippine National Police (to disperse) 12 armless protestors is an overkill considering the situation that they had cordoned church premises," said Julius Dagatan, Vice President for the Kabataan Partylist.

Armed with placards and streamers, the youth partylist said they just wanted to urge Arroyo to certify House Bill 6921, an act ensuring the welfare and protection of BPO workers and the recognition of their rights as provided for in the Labor Code of the Philippines.

"Why are we being treated inhumanely by these police officers? This only proves that Arroyo is anti-worker who only wants the youth to be exploited by transnational corporations and denied them of their labor rights to be respected," Dagatan added.

"The police brutality was done even in front of the church. This is worth condemning by human rights advocates in violation of our rights to redress grievances," Dagatan ended.

The group was dispersed by members of the crowd dispersal team headed by P/Supts. Guara and Dejucos and P/Insp. Alba at around 3:00 p.m. inside the compound of San Antonio Abad Parish Church.*