After almost eight years, on June 26 the court ordered the arrest of Police Staff Sergeant Franklin Kho, the police officer who ran over protesters in front of the US embassy on October 19, 2016. He was charged with three counts of attempted homicide, with bail set at P36,000 for each count. The victims filed a case with the Ombudsman after the incident, which just recently reached court. The hearing is set for September.

Despite the long wait, the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) welcomed the court’s move. “The evidence is clear. This was done publicly, and there is ample footage and numerous witnesses,” Ephraim Cortez, NUPL lawyer for the victims, said.

Meanwhile, the Katribu Kalipunan ng Katubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas called for the police to immediately arrest Kho.

“We welcome the decision, despite the eight-year wait for justice. Aside from SPO3 Kho, the command and other police officers should also be held accountable for their brutal actions that severely wounded the protesters,” Katribu said.

The police violently broke up the protest of indigenous people and activists that day. The police fired water cannons and even used tear gas to disperse the demonstrators.

Not satisfied, Kho drove the police mobile and ran over the protesters several times. At least 50 were injured in police brutality.

The indigenous people and farmers were in Manila that time to condemn the US-led Oplan Bayanihan in the countryside. They were part of the Lakbayan of the people which was undertaken to expose their issues in Metro Manila.

“We hope this will set a precedent for other human rights violation cases committed by police and military against the indigenous and Moro Peoples,” Katribu added.

Among the complainants against Kho are Katribu secretary general Piya Malayao, Nicole Soria, Raymart Sumalbag, Reynaldo Moldon, Dionesio Abear, Dr. Julie Caguiat, Reyan Naong and Baling Catubigan.