Five protesters were arrested and over a dozen policemen were hurt when tension broke out during a rally in Taguig City on Thursday.

In a statement, the Southern Police District (SPD) said the demonstration that began around 9:09 am at a hotel along 8th Avenue and 35th Street in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) involved members of various sectoral group

"Initial information indicates that some protesters entered the hotel premises by allegedly presenting themselves as customers and initially appeared orderly, with no placards or immediate indication of disruptive conduct," it stated.

The SPD said police were deployed in the vicinity as part of the security coverage for the USTDA-Luzon Economic Corridor Investment Forum, where President Ferdinand Marcos Jr spoke.

"When a commotion developed and the activity began affecting traffic and normal operations in the area, responding officers immediately intervened to prevent further escalation and repeatedly directed the protesters to maintain order and peacefully disperse," it added.

"Despite repeated police instructions, some protesters allegedly resisted and physically assaulted responding personnel. Several police officers sustained bruises, scratches and other injuries with some left bloodied during the confrontation," it added.

The SPD said the five protesters were arrested after allegedly assaulting responding police officers while continuously resisting lawful orders.

"Complaints for violation of Articles 148, 151,153 and 155 of the Revised Penal Code and Batas Pambansa Blg 880 are being prepared for inquest proceedings before the Taguig City Prosecutor's Office," the district said. Robina Asido/PHS