MANILA: Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla warned parents not to let their children join “gangsta” groups that could incite chaos during the three-day rally led by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), which begins Sunday (Nov 16).
“To parents, please remind your children not to join the ‘geng-geng’ or the ‘gangsta’ groups. All who show plans to sow chaos will be dealt with the full force of the law.,” Remulla said in a statement Friday.
“We at the DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government) are one with the Iglesia ni Cristo’s advocacies and calls. The voice and battlecry of every Filipino is for truth, accountability, and justice. Part of our duty is to ensure the peace and order of the events,” Remulla added.
Remulla had previously issued a warning against protesters gathering without a permit at Mendiola or any area surrounding Malacañang Palace.
The stern caution came after violence that erupted at the foot of Ayala Bridge and the Mendiola area during the anti-corruption rallies last Sept. 21.
The riots were sparked by persons who donned black clothing and masks, flashed gang signs and waved a flag with the Jolly Rancher symbol from the anime One Piece, as they hurled projectiles at authorities.
The police arrested around 200 individuals, and at least two were reportedly killed during the ensuing violence, prompting human rights groups to condemn the police for not exercising “maximum tolerance.”
“The freedom to peacefully gather to express grievances is enshrined in our Constitution. To cause chaos and harm is not included,” Remulla pointed out.
The three-day rally by the INC was mounted at Luneta Park in Manila to call for government transparency and accountability.
The United People’s Initiative, a coalition of retired military officials, will also mount a simultaneous rally at the People Power Monument in Quezon City.
The Philippine National Police (PNP), an attached agency of the DILG, previously said it would deploy 16,433 police officers to various protest sites as well as key government installations, including Malacañang, the Senate, the House and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure.
The protests stemmed from alleged anomalies in flood control and other infrastructure projects. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
