A commotion broke out between police and rallyists during the September 21 protest marking the 54th anniversary of martial law along Loyola Street in Manila.
According to PBGen. Atty. Arnold Santiago, the incident occurred after police spotted a rallyist spray-painting the back of a concrete barrier they had put up near Mendiola. The rallyist was apprehended and later released after being warned by police, in a Tina Nolasco's report.
“Nag-spray paint kasi siya, may video tayo. Kinuha namin siya, kakausapin. Nakiusap yung mga organizers na baka puwedeng pagbigyan kasi hindi na uulitin. Pinagbigyan naman natin,” Santiago said.
“You can shout all you want, you can air all your grievances without resorting to violence or destruction of property,” he added.
Meanwhile, the group of the individual who was caught spray-painting claimed that police took the rallyist’s cellphone.
“Kinuha ang ari-arian ng walang karapatan, ng walang katarungan, kaya alam naman natin na ang tunay na kalikasan nila…” one of the protesters said.
The demonstrators claimed that the PNP was protecting corrupt politicians, chanting, “PNP, protektor ng korap.”
Meanwhile, Santiago said police will also call out anyone caught wearing a balaclava or any type of mask during the ongoing protest.
“Sisitahin namin muna, pagsasabihan namin. Kukunin namin yung mask para hindi na magamit. Ayaw namin ng sakitan, ayaw namin,” Santiago said.
Santiago appealed to the demonstrators to keep the protest peaceful.
“Gawin nating mapayapa, walang sakitan, walang masisirang gamit ng gobyerno at pampublikong pag-aari. Huwag tayong mag-vandalize. ’Yun lang ang pakiusap ng Philippine National Police,” Arugay said.
“Sana walang masirang gamit, pampubliko man o pribado, walang sakitan,” he added.
Police said around 1,000 personnel had been deployed in the area to maintain peace and order.
Various groups criticized the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., calling for greater transparency and accountability from the government over allegations of corruption, environmental damage, and irregularities in flood control projects.
The demonstrators called for accountability from Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte and demanded the imprisonment of those they accused of corruption.
