MANILA, Philippines – Naka-alerto ang Philippine National Police (PNP) sa mga ikinasang anticorruption protests tuwing Biyernes hanggang sa sumapit ang nationwide rally sa Nobyembre 30.
“Our police commanders on the ground, especially in Metro Manila, were already alerted of this series of protests,” saad sa pahayag ni Acting Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. nitong Biyernes, Oktubre 10.
Inanunsyo ng Trillion Peso March movement ang weekly protests na karugtong ng kanilang malawakang kilos-protesta noong Setyembre 21.
“We understand the importance of these activities for people who seek the truth, for people who seek justice, for people who call for justice amid allegations of wrongdoings involving taxpayers’ money,” ani Nartatez.
“While we assure the police of their active role in securing these activities, we are always ready for any eventuality, especially those who would dare to exploit these public assemblies to sow violence and openly violate the law,” dagdag pa.
Matatandaang sumiklab ang karahasan sa Ayala Bridge at Mendiola Peace Arch kasabay ng Baha Sa Luneta at Trillion Peso March rallies noong Setyembre 21.
Mahigit 200 raliyista, kabilang ang nasa 80 menor de edad ang naaresto dahilan para akusahan ng human rights groups ang pulisya na bigong maisagawa ang maximum tolerance.
Kinondena rin ng Kabataan Party-list ang pag-subpoena sa ilang tinukoy na nasa likod ng karahasan na tinawag nilang “state harassment.”
Ang mga kilos-protesta ay bunsod ng malawakang anomalya at korapsyon sa flood control at iba pang infrastructure projects. RNT/JGC
