MANILA, Philippines >> Philippine police have used batons and water cannons to disperse hundreds of students and workers attempting to occupy a historic bridge in Manila to dramatize discontent over poverty and inequality.

Police officer Abelardo Aguilar said at least five protesters were arrested on charges of illegal assembly following Wednesday’s clashes near the presidential palace.

Several protesters were hurt as police charged with water cannons and batons to push them away from the Mendiola bridge in downtown Manila. It was the second rally in two days.

The students and workers affiliated with left-wing groups say they are “fed up with the rotten system” and want to camp out by the bridge in a protest similar to the “Occupy” movement in the U.S. and elsewhere.