By Ferdinand Patinio
MANILA – Manila Mayor Isko Moreno will file various charges of illegal assembly, assault, and resistance against rioters arrested during the violent anti-corruption protests last Sunday in this city.
In a media release on Tuesday, Moreno noted that the Manila Police District (MPD) has confirmed that 127 adults and 89 minors were taken into custody for destroying properties such as traffic lights and vandalism.
Of the minors, 67 were classified as children in conflict with the law (CICL) while 24 were identified as children at risk (CAR).
Excluding the 24 CARs, Moreno said charges will be filed against the 192 rioters for violation of Batas Pambansa 880 (The Public Assembly Act of 1985), Article 146 of the Revised Penal Code (Illegal Assembly), Article 148 (Assault against a person in authority and their agent), and Article 151 (Resistance and Disobedience).
Moreno added that other cases, including malicious mischief, arson, physical injuries, and inciting to sedition, are still under evaluation.
At the same time, the city mayor urged Congress to consider legislative measures to address situations where minors are recruited into riots or mob actions.
“Are they doing it on their own, or are they being manipulated? We should look at this,” he said.
Moreno also appealed to the parents of those arrested to cooperate with authorities.
“If I were you, (I would) talk to your children and help the police point out who the people are behind this. Otherwise, you will be the only ones responsible for the problem you have given to Manila, which you are legally responsible for,” he said.
The Manila city government estimated the damage to traffic signal facilities at five intersections along Recto Avenue at PHP692,785.64.
Moreno said this was only part of the tally, with assessments still ongoing for vehicles, motorbikes, stoplights, streetlights, CCTV units, and permanent traffic barricades.
“Maybe in a week or 10 days from now, mato-total na natin ang danyos (we could determine the total amount of damage),” he said.
The mayor noted that both public and private property losses will be charged to those responsible.
Meanwhile, Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president Cardinal Pablo David expressed sadness over the riot and violence.
“The violence at the Mendiola rally is saddening,” he said in a separate statement.
The Cardinal noted that they supported the “Trillion Peso March”, which was not intended to promote violence but to seek accountability and justice peacefully.
“Let us not give in to provocations or violence. What is more important is our collective stand—firm but peaceful—for accountability and integrity in government,” said David.
A labor organization, for its part, acknowledged the Philippine National Police and intelligence units for stopping what he described as an attempted revolt before it could spiral into something far worse.
“The law enforcers stood firm for democracy, while these anarchists only revealed their true colors — hatred and chaos,” said Jose Antonio Goitia, chairman emeritus of Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya (ABKD).
Last Sunday, the protest actions in Mendiola turned violent when black-clad, masked individuals had multiple physical confrontations with the police.
The mass actions against corruption were also held in Luneta Park and at the People Power Monument in Quezon City, where thousands of people participated. (PNA)
