Department of National Defense (DND) Sec. Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro expects that the Trillion Peso March 2.0 will be peaceful, compared to the previous protest on September 21.
In an exclusive interview on DZRH Stories: Pinoy Documentaries on Sunday, November 30, Teodoro said the lead agency, the Philippine National Police (PNP), has been deployed to the premises, along with the support of the DND.
For this weekend’s rally, Teodoro said that organizers are also asked to coordinate with authorities to ensure peace and order.
“Nakiusap sa pagkakaalam ko ang mga kapulisan sa mga organizer na magmasid din. Kung mayroong mga mag iinfiltrate sa mga ranks nila, magsabi kaagad sa mga pulis,” he said.
“Ang koordinasyon ng mga raliyista, ng mga organizer at tyaka ang kapulisan ay maganda pati ‘yung medical services, ‘yung mga dadaanan kung may nag heatstroke, at lahat. Inaasahan natin na magiging tahimik ito,” he added.
Although they have yet to monitor reports on threats or efforts to infiltrate the rally, Teodoro assured the public that, above all, the protesters’ goal is to exercise their freedom of expression and observe peace throughout the demonstrations.
The use of symbols during protests
When asked about the viral "One Piece" flag used during the rallies, Teodoro said they are observing how the event unfolds today. Moreover, he said that they will continue to look out for any signs regarding the matter.
“Itong mga naghahasik ng karahasan…palagay ko ay susubok at susubok din. Iba naman ang pakay ng mga ‘yan hindi natin alam at ang mga bayaran,” he explained. “Tapos ang masakit dito…dapat nga matumbok natin kung sino ang gumagamit ng mga ito dahil menor de edad ito. Exploitation of minors ito.”
Despite this, Teodoro said they cannot release any information about which group or individual is responsible, as they are still verifying the source.
“Palagay ko ang maliwanag dito, may junction ito ng mga kriminal at tyaka ang mga anti-government elements. Tapos nakita naman natin ang mga pinanggalingan ng mga ito, mga gang. Kaya hindi rin malayo, kasama rin sa droga ito, illegal firearms, at kung ano-ano. Mga sindikato ito,” he said.
“Ang masakit dito, ang kailangan talaga, pag-tuunan ng pansin habang maaga ito kasi magiging social threat ito in the future. Ayaw natin maging katulad ng ibang mga bansa na nagkakaroon ng thug rule,” he added.
A rising trend in the country?
Teodoro said that the usage of the "One Piece" flag may be a trend in several countries, including the Philippines. However, he stressed that different people are driving the trend.
“‘Yung iba naman ay doon sa mga ibang bansa ay mayroon talaga naging takeover ng gobyerno at ginamit itong mga ‘to. Iba’t ibang motibo, kasi ang tingin naming motibo dito, ay pera,” the DND Secretary stated. “Kaya walang kinikilalang idelohiya ang pera.”
