By Darryl John Esguerra
MANILA – Authorities bared local terrorist groups may have attempted to sabotage Sunday’s anti-corruption rallies in Metro Manila, prompting the government to heighten security measures and launch a probe into possible infiltration of the protests.
In a press briefing in Malacañang on Monday, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed that intelligence reports flagged a potential terror plot, including the possibility of a bombing either at Luneta or the People Power Monument, where thousands had gathered to protest against corruption.
“Yes, that is why all contingencies were considered,” Remulla told reporters when asked if there was a terror threat during the demonstrations.
‘Our biggest fear that did not happen was someone who would incite violence during the People Power Monument rally… the intent of the people there was peaceful.”
He said more than 400 plainclothes operatives were deployed on the ground to foil possible attacks.
“Safe to say, we are still investigating according to our intelligence report and we will come out with a report pretty soon,” he added.
Remulla also stressed that Malacañang remains under constant high alert after masked protesters instigate violence in areas near the Palace compound.
Philippine National Police (PNP) acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez echoed the warning, citing the risk of violence spilling over from Mindanao-based armed groups.
“Continuously ina-assess po natin iyan… we have the communist terrorist group, we have the local terrorist group lalo na kung may (especially if there is) spillover from Mindanao, especially with elections there. We have the BIFF (Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters), the DI (Dawlah Islamiya) Hassan, DI Maute and other threats,” he said.
Nartatez added that police had conducted security sweeps and reinforced checkpoints in public transport hubs in coordination with the Department of Transportation to prevent the entry of firearms and explosives into Metro Manila.
Sunday’s demonstrations were part of nationwide anti-corruption rallies sparked by allegations of irregularities in multibillion-peso flood control projects.
While most protests were peaceful, incidents of violence were reported near Malacañang, including in Mendiola, resulting in clashes with police and several arrests.
Violence condemned
Meanwhile, House Deputy Minority Leader Leila de Lima “highly condemned” the acts of violence perpetrated by some groups in Mendiola.
“I condemn the violence at Mendiola. This is not what we aimed for in going to the various rallies yesterday against corruption and the plunder of government infrastructure projects. This is not how we deal with disgust at people who steal billions while millions go hungry,” de Lima said in a statement.
“Yet, I cannot get myself to condemn the groups that instigated the violence, only their violent methods.”
De Lima hailed the patience and display of “maximum tolerance” by Manila police officers, the very reason why she commiserated with them for becoming victims of the said violence while simply doing their job.
“I am impressed by their patience and display of maximum tolerance. You did not deserve to be at the receiving end of the violence. Hindi naman kayo ang mga nagnakaw sa mga raliyista at kanilang mga pamilya (You are not the ones who robbed these rallyists and their families),” she said.
She, however, appealed to the Manila Police District to respect the human rights of the arrested protesters.
“Huwag na sana ninyong ipagkait sa mga raliyistang inaresto ang kanilang karapatan sa abogado at iba pang karapatan ng mga naaresto. Idaan nyo sila sa proseso ng batas. Ikulong ang dapat makulong. Hayaang magpiyansa ang hindi naman kakasuhan ng non-bailable na krimen. Irespeto ang kanilang mga karapatang pantao, kahit kahapon hindi kayo nirespeto bilang mga alagad ng batas (Please don’t deny them their right to a lawyer and other rights of arrested persons. Let them get through due process. Jail those who deserved it. Let them post bail if they are not to be charged with a non-bailable offense. Respect their human rights, even if they did not respect you yesterday as law enforcers),” de Lima said. (With a report from Zaldy de Layola/PNA)
