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1 dead, 40 injured as protesters dispersed in S. Philippine

Xinhua, April 1, 2016 Adjust font size:

At least one protester was killed and over 40 others, mostly policemen, injured when protesting farmers clashed with police in southern Philippine province of North Cotabato on Friday.

Around 4,000 participants composed of farmers, indigenous peoples and cause-oriented groups staged a rally on Cotabato-Davao Highway in Kidapawan City to raise issues concerning the El Nino and non-distribution of NFA (National Food Authority) rice upon the declaration of state of calamity in the province.

The clash ensued when some of the protesters refused to leave the place when their permit to rally lapsed at past 10:00 a.m. local time (0200 GMT).

Wilben Mayor, spokesman of the Philippine National Police, said the protesters attacked policemen with poles and pieces of wood and large rocks were also thrown at them.

As of last count, he said 40 policemen were injured, with two of them in critical condition due to head trauma.

"We are consolidating information as regards the injured and a reported casualty on the side of the protesters. All those injured were immediately brought to nearby hospitals to receive proper medical care," he said.

Mayor said a number of demonstrators were arrested, including an individual reported to be a commander of the leftist New People's Army.

He said an investigation has been underway to consolidate a thorough report on the incident. Endit