4 hurt in dispersal of Regent Foods strikers

Violence erupted around 9 a.m. when security guards of RFC reportedly tried to disperse striking workers of the snack manufacturer and dismantle their picket line at Jimenez Street corner Elisco Road in Barangay Kalawaan. #RegentFoodsstrike

Security guards and striking workers of Regent Foods Corporation face off at the plant in Barangay Kalawaan, Pasig City on Saturday morning. (Manay Judy Taguiwalo)

Four people were injured and 23 others were arrested during the violent dispersal of a picket line at the factory of the Regent Foods Corporation (RFC) in Pasig City Saturday.

Violence erupted around 9 a.m. when security guards of RFC reportedly tried to disperse striking workers of the snack manufacturer and dismantle their picket line at Jimenez Street corner Elisco Road in Barangay Kalawaan.

The strikers started throwing numerous big stones, pieces of metal bars, and pieces of hardwoods at the security guards, personnel of the Philippine National Police Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) team and policemen.

The injured were taken to the Rizal Medical Center for treatment while those arrested were detained at the Pasig City Police Station to face charges of physical injuries, illegal possession of a bladed weapon, alarms and scandal.

Around 50 members of the Regent Foods Workers Union were striking to protest the alleged unfair labor practices and union busting moves of the Filipino-owned company that produce Snacku, Cheese Ring, Tempura, Sweet Corn, Cheese Ball, Labzter, Custard Cake and other snacks.

The strikers were also demanding the implementation of their collective bargaining agreements, regularization, and other worker’s benefits.

Pasig Police chief Col. Moises Villaceran Jr. conducted a dialogue between the leader of the strikers and the team leader of the RFC security guards. After the dialogue, the strikers and security guards scuffled prompting CDM personnel to intercede.