“The partylist group claimed that rocks were also thrown at the protesters injuring an elderly woman.

Police and security guards broke up the picket line of striking workers of the NutriAsia plant in Marilao, Bulacan on Monday.

Youth group Anakbayan condemned what it called the violent dispersal of members of the Nagkakaisang Manggagawa ng NutriAsia.

“Around 300 workers and their supporters, including youth, student and church groups, had just concluded an ecumenical service at around 3 p.m. and were peacefully strengthening the picket line in preparation for a solidarity program when they were ruthlessly mauled by NutriAsia’s thugs and police using truncheons and batons,” read a Facebook post of Anakbayan.

Anakbayan claimed that amid the scuffle, the workers sat down to show that they will not retaliate, but police forces continued to corner and hit the protesters.

The partylist group claimed that rocks were also thrown at the protesters injuring an elderly woman from homeless group Kadamay that is participating in the protest.

At least eight were also reportedly injured in the dispersal while three others were arrested by the police.

The strike at NutriAsia, a producer of sauce and condiments, is about to enter its third month. The strikers are demanding regularization, safe working conditions, just and living wages and overtime pay.

Anakbayan criticized the Duterte administration over the violent dispersal accusing the latter of refusing to end the practice of contractualization and to increase the minimum wage amid rising food price and fare.

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