Students storm MPD, ask for release of colleagues

Some 80 students marched on Thursday to the Manila Police District headquarters to press for the release of six of their colleagues who were arrested for holding a rally during the Education Summit at the Manila Hotel early in the day. GMA 7 television reported Thursday afternoon that the students held a program in front of MPD headquarters along United Nations Avenue to protest what they considered the "illegal arrests" of their colleagues. The six students - Joanna Rose Adenit, Emman Montado, Crimson Laglera, Alvin Cerrano, Vic del Rosario, and Arlo Cervantes - were arrested at the corner of Roxas Boulevard and Padre Faura Street while attempting to conduct a rally protesting what they call as the "anti-student education summit." A seventh student, identified only as Ophie, was reportedly missing. At least 23 persons, including Alliance of Concerned Teachers President Antonio Tinio, were reportedly hurt when riot police dispersed the demonstrators. Tinio reportedly suffered cuts and bruises on his arms while attempting to negotiate with the police. Students who joined the rally were reportedly from the University of the Philippines, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, University of the East, Adamson University, Philippine Normal University, and Lyceum. - GMANews.TV