By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA –The group of masked protesters belonging to a “hip-hop” gang influenced by a prominent rapper was possibly behind violence that marred anti-corruption rallies on Sunday, including stone-throwing and arson, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
In a press conference at Camp Crame on Monday, Manila Police District (MPD) spokesperson Maj. Philipp Ines said of the total of 93 police officers who sustained injuries during the violent demonstrations, eight suffered lacerations that required stitching and nine were still confined at the PNP General Hospital due to the gravity of their injuries, including fractured bones and head trauma.
As seen on videos posted on social media, rioters clad in black and wearing masks clashed with police at the foot of the Ayala Bridge and set a trailer on fire near the road to Malacañang Palace. The group, which was apparently unaffiliated with the protests, also threw bottles and other items at police stationed at the Mendiola Peace Arch in San Miguel, Manila.
Aside from throwing stones, paints, and other objects at police officers, the masked protesters all in black also destroyed public and private properties such as stop lights and a center island.
They also burned the tires of a container van and several motorcycles owned by policemen and private individuals, threw Molotov bombs, and ransacked a motel along Recto Avenue.
“Ang nakuha po nating impormasyon, mga miyembro po ito ng hip-hop gangster. ‘Yun lang po nakuha natin at ang binigay nila ay naimpluwensyahan lang po sila ng tinatawag na rapper personality, pero hindi pa po natin na-validate; account lang po ito ng nasa custody natin (The information we got is that they are members of a hip-hop gang. They said they were influenced by a so-called rapper personality, but we have not yet validated this. It’s only based on the account of those in our custody),” Ines told reporters.
Ines said 113 individuals were arrested during the violent incident in Mendiola, including 65 adults and 48 minors.
He said charges for illegal assembly, resistance and disobedience to persons in authority, direct assault, malicious mischief, serious physical injuries and arson will be filed against the adult arrested individuals, while the minors will be turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
No fatalities were recorded during the violent protest action.
Meanwhile, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin said that 131 police officers were injured, while a total of 113 protesters, including minors, were arrested and were later provided with medical attention as some of them also suffered injuries.
“Some of those arrested were minors and were investigated with DSWD. They will face charges for direct assault, physical injuries, arson, and other charges that may be grounded on available evidence,” said Aberin in a radio interview.
Aberin personally supervised the situation and directed several security adjustments after the protesters repeatedly tried to force their way to the barricade and police lines.
The protest actions in two major sites—Luneta in Manila and People Power Monument in Quezon City—were going well until the afternoon, when a group of masked men started attacking policemen near the Ayala Bridge in Manila.
Some of them used Molotov bombs and set fire on container vans and motorcycles.
“Most assemblies held across Metro Manila were peaceful and orderly, particularly those in EDSA and Luneta. Unfortunately, the gathering in Ayala bridge and Mendiola, even though unprovoked, turned very violent,” said Aberin,
Despite challenging conditions and several injuries, PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., said the PNP officers remained calm, disciplined, and implemented maximum tolerance measures to ensure public safety.
“I salute the bravery and dedication you demonstrated under difficult circumstances. Your professionalism ensured that peace and order were maintained. You have shown what it truly means to serve and protect,“ said Nartatez in a statement.
“In line with our commitment to justice, I have ordered a thorough investigation into those arrested during the rally. Appropriate cases will be filed to hold violators accountable, ensuring that the law is applied fairly and responsibly,” he added.
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla, meanwhile, said other groups also appeared to have planned to attack Malacañang but failed.
Still, Remulla said that the Sept. 21 protest actions were “generally peaceful,” even as he condemned the violent actions of a small group that attempted to sow disorder during demonstrations in Metro Manila.
In a separate statement, Remulla affirmed that the government fully respects the constitutional right of Filipinos to stage peaceful assemblies, echoing the stand of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on upholding freedom of expression, provided it is exercised within the bounds of the law.
“Gusto kong ipaabot na 99 percent ng protest very peaceful at may karapatan silang magpahayag (I want to convey that 99 percent of the protest is very peaceful and they have the right to express themselves). I respect that, and even the President is indignant to the situation [violent actions],” he said in a media interview after visiting Mendiola, one of the protest sites.
“May 1 percent na nanggugulo. Hindi namin papayagan na masira ang pangalan ng protestang ito dahil sa kanila. May karapatan ang lahat na magprotesta, pero ang manggugulo hindi namin pwede payagan ‘yan (There is a 1 percent that messes up. We will not allow this protest to be tarnished because of them. Everyone has the right to protest, but we cannot allow troublemakers),” Remulla emphasized.
In a Palace press briefing on Monday, Remulla said that those involved in the violent protest action in Manila may face sedition charges.
Remulla said police officers had observed maximum tolerance in responding to the protesters. (PNA)
