good old joe, this particular policeman was not beating up protesters.

it's usually because the protesters start first. if you can read what the photojournalist wrote, the protesters started it by dismantling the barricades setup by police as well as the street barriers that separate the traffic lanes. they also threw rocks at the police. when the police retaliate to protect themselves these protesters complain and cry that their rights are being violated.

if you can read this article, the police planned to be peaceful and they tried to be nice.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/450653/pnp-charm-offensive-on-sona-proteste...

it's nothing new. the protesters do this every year