By Brian Campued
Authorities are investigating at least 217 individuals, including 95 minors, reportedly involved in the Sept. 21 unrest in Mendiola during anti-corruption protests, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Sec. Jonvic Remulla confirmed Tuesday.
In a news release, Remulla said that testimonies, social media videos, and photos are being reviewed to identify those who orchestrated and financed the group to stir chaos.
“Mukhang lumalabas organized group… ang bayad nila sa mga bata ay 3,000 each. May mga videos pa kami na pinapakita nila mga pera nila at niyayabang sa social media,” the Interior chief said.
“Hindi sila cause-oriented; money-oriented lang. Bayad lang kaya ang leadership at organization level nila, mababa lang,” he added.
As the case build-up is underway, Remulla said the possible charges that may be filed against individuals involved in the violent protest actions include arson, destruction of property, inciting to sedition, and sedition.
The DILG chief reiterated President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure due process and the rule of law, “According nga kay Presidente, we are a nation of laws, not of men… Hindi pupwede ‘yung basta-basta kami magtuturo ng daliri. We have a very liberal democracy, but we have to maintain its stability.”
According to Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, they are examining angles that point to possible instigators, including a lawyer, a Filipino-Chinese businessman, and a politician allegedly providing funds to the “rioters”.
“Are they doing it on their own, or are they being manipulated? Kailangan tingnan natin,” the city mayor said, urging parents or guardians of the arrested individuals to cooperate with authorities.
At the same time, Moreno urged Congress to consider legislative measures to address situations where minors are recruited into “riots or mob actions”.
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR), for its part, assured that it is monitoring the condition of individuals detained by the police.
“As such, [the] CHR continues to consolidate documentation and testimonies gathered by all deployed monitoring teams,” it said in a statement.
“Further impartial inquiry will also be undertaken regarding reports that law enforcement authorities may have violated the police rules of procedure on the use of force, and to determine whether grave human rights violations were committed,” the CHR added.
Meanwhile, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) affirmed its support for students’ right to conduct lawful protests, recognizing the indignation that compels citizens to demand for accountability and good governance.
“The [CHED] stresses that students must never be silenced, threatened, or intimidated for standing up against corruption,” it said. “Their right to speak out must always be respected, provided this is exercised within the bounds of the law.”
The commission also stressed that higher education institutions must protect their students, respond swiftly to any threats, and extend full support to those who may be targeted for making a stand.
On maintaining peace and security, CHED said monitoring and intelligence should be left to proper authorities, but emphasized that students’ rights to lawful expression must be upheld.
-jpv
