By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police has summoned four individuals in connection with the violence that erupted during the Sept. 21 protest in Manila, with one of them appearing before authorities on Monday.
In a press conference at Camp Crame, PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) spokesperson and public information chief, Maj. Helen dela Cruz said four subpoenas were earlier sent to the four men, whom police identified only as “male leaders with large followings” and referred to them as “resource persons.”
“They are invited to appear to shed light on the facts and circumstances surrounding the violent incidents that occurred,” dela Cruz said.
“Ang patawag nila ay kaninang umaga. Sa apat na iyon, iisa pa lang ang dumating (They were summoned for this morning. Of those four, only one appeared.) The four were identified after the arrested youths gave statements and monitored their vlogs and posts on social media,” she added.
But she said that among the things they will investigate is whether they funded or planned to carry out the disturbance.
She said protesters earlier arrested for the violent protest pointed to the four subpoenaed men as their leaders.
Dela Cruz said Republic Act 10973 gives the CIDG the authority to issue subpoenas in relation to its investigations. She said the police will file indirect contempt before the courts if the three others fail to comply with the subpoena.
The three others may also each face a fine of PHP30,000 and six months of imprisonment for failure to comply.
The Sept. 21 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.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has already formed a fact-finding independent commission for infrastructure to investigate alleged corruption. (PNA)
