MANILA — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has urged rallyists to respect protest rules, stressing that while the right to assemble must be upheld, violence will not be tolerated, amid growing anti-corruption protests centered in Manila.
Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has instructed DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla to ensure protests in front of Malacañang remain peaceful — but to arrest anyone who causes disruption.
Remulla, former governor of Cavite, reiterated that the police are to exercise “maximum tolerance” in allowing public assemblies, yet maintain order, warning those who instigate violence will be dealt with.
The statement comes in the wake of mass protests denouncing widespread graft involving flood-control projects, which have drawn thousands of people into the streets in Manila and elsewhere.
Protesters are calling for accountability over more than 9,800 allegedly anomalous flood-control contracts worth about P545 billion, many claimed to be ghost or substandard projects.
In one incident, stones were hurled and tyres set ablaze near Ayala Bridge close to Malacañang, prompting arrests of at least 17 persons.
President Marcos has acknowledged public anger over the corruption allegations, calling the protests legitimate but urging demonstrators to keep their actions peaceful.
Police and other security forces have been placed on high alert; roads near Malacañang are being guarded more strictly while rally organisers are insisting their actions are not meant to destabilize the government but to demand transparency, justice, and lasting reforms.
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