Police disperse ANPA protest with tear gas near National Palace

Santo Domingo.- The National Police dispersed a protest march by agricultural professionals on Wednesday using tear gas as demonstrators advanced toward the National Palace in demand of better working conditions for the rural sector.

The mobilization was organized by the National Association of Agricultural Professionals (ANPA), which had planned a route from Independence Park to the National Palace. However, the demonstration was halted when security forces intervened with chemical agents, breaking up the crowd before it could reach its destination.

ANPA members are calling for salary increases, improved pensions, and other labor benefits, arguing that long-standing demands from the sector have not been addressed. During the confrontation, ANPA president Tito Hernández was reportedly affected by tear gas exposure and had to be assisted by colleagues before being taken to a medical center for treatment.

Participants in the protest expressed frustration over the police response, stressing that many members of the organization are older professionals, some over 60 years of age, with health conditions that made the use of tear gas particularly concerning. They also emphasized that they had previously notified the Ministry of Interior and Police about the peaceful march, arguing that authorities should have been informed rather than requiring permission.

Despite the incident, ANPA leaders warned that their protests will continue and could intensify in the coming days if their demands are not addressed. They stated that they are prepared to continue mobilizations “every day if necessary” in order to push for reforms and improvements for agricultural professionals across the country.