THE netizens are again enraged following the violent protest dispersal of workers outside the plant of NutriAsia, a food condiment company, in Bulacan on Monday, July 30.
This time, a photo of a bloodied elderly woman went viral online. She was among the protesters.
The photo drew outrage from social media users and groups as they condemned the violent dispersal of striking workers who are only seeking for fair treatment.
The workers held a protest due to alleged contractualization, low wages, and unhealthy working conditions.
Due to the violent dispersal, calls for the boycott of the company's products also trended, with a hashtag #BoycottNurtriAsia. Others trashed the condiments to show solidarity for the striking workers.
Earlier, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) had also ordered NutriAsia to regularize 80 workers of one of its agencies after the firm was allegedly engaged in illegal labor practice.
During Monday's protest, at least 19 were arrested in the dispersal – eight workers, six supporters and five journalists.
According to the police, one of the arrested individuals was allegedly found to carry a .22 caliber revolver and four sachets of suspected shabu.
In a statement, NutriAsia claimed it was the protesters who started the violence after they threw rocks at the police and the guards tasked to maintain peace and order.
But still, there should be maximum tolerance as the workers are only fighting for their rights.