Violence erupts at anti-corruption protests in the Philippines
A mass protest in Manila over corruption prompted a strong police response as demonstrators threw stones and police deployed water cannon. The protests follow a congressional probe that found anomalies in the spending of billions of dollars in flood relief.
Manila (dpa) – Tens of thousands took to the streets across the Philippines on Sunday to express outrage over corruption in bogus and sub-standard government flood-control projects worth billions of dollars, with violence erupting in the capital, Manila.
The protests there were held in Luneta Park and the EDSA People Power Monument, which commemorates a mass uprising that ousted incumbent President Ferdinand Marcos Jr's late father, who was deposed in 1986 due to massive corruption and human rights abuses.
The demonstrations in Manila – attended by an estimated 130,000 people according to organizers – were the largest held so far in the Philippines over the scandal since Marcos Jr ordered an investigation into the anomalous projects in July.
Violence broke out when some of the estimated 80,000 protesters from Luneta Park marched towards Mendiola Street outside the Malacañang Presidential Palace to join another group of demonstrators, but were stopped by police, who blocked the way with a long truck.
A group of young rallyists who were wearing black T-shirts and were hooded began throwing stones at the rows of police and set fire to the truck's tyres shouting, "For the nation!"
Police use water cannon
Police later used water cannon and tear gas when the same group stormed the police barricade at Mendiola, throwing rocks, bottles and umbrellas, and setting off a Molotov cocktail, even after organizers called for the protesters' dispersal.
At least 70 police officers were injured in clashes with rallyists in Manila, including several who had to be hospitalized for severe cuts on legs and arms and bruises on their head and eyes, according to national police spokesman, Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño.
He said that during the protests "49 individuals, including 36 adults and 13 minors, were arrested for violent behaviour, including stone-throwing and acts of arson.”
“Their actions violated several laws, he added, citing "illegal assembly, resistance or disobedience to authority, direct assault, malicious mischief, and serious physical injuries.”
Renato Reyes, president of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), one of the organizers of the protests, was among those injured.
"Stones were being thrown and I got hit in the face," he said in a statement. "The people who stayed in Mendiola were angry, years of pent-up anger. We don't know who the groups were. They're not affiliated with Bayan. But we could sense their anger," he said.
"They could be provocateurs, or they could just be really angry at what is happening," he added. "At the end of this day, the government cannot ignore the problem of corruption and give so-so responses."
"Many are angry, and I am here with family and friends to show that we are among those who are mad at thieves," said Raymond Mendros, who was with family and friends at the rally in Luneta Park.
"It's really frustrating," he added. "With the amount of money allocated for these projects, there should be no more floods, but there are still floods!"
Congress probe finds anomalies
Congressional investigations have unearthed various anomalies in over 500 billion pesos ($9 billion) worth of flood control projects, including ghost projects and low-quality work in many areas that are now suffering from floods.
Some whistleblowers in the investigation, however, implicated some legislators in the anomalies, alleging that they received kickbacks from project contractors.
The protesters carried placards and banners, reading "Stop ghosting," "Corruption kills," "Where is my money?," "Taxes not for Thieves!" and "We wade through floods, you waste our money!"
Ian Red Dela Cruz, a member of an alliance of organizations working for the rights of persons with disabilities, said their group showed up to demand accountability from those who stole public funds.
"We want those billions of pesos of flood-control funds to be returned back to the public," the 26-year-old disability advocate said. "To the government, we want action now, not in six months. We want it now."
Sunday also marked the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of martial law by the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos in 1972.
Protesters noted that while Marcos Jr supported the protests against the anomalous projects, his family should still be held accountable for the corruption and human rights abuses during his father's 21-year rule.
"They still need to pay for what they stole," Mendros said. "They are not in the clear just because President Marcos Jr is supporting the demonstrations against the corruption in the flood-control projects. They are also corrupt."