Philippines sees mass rallies against corruption as protesters clash with police

ISTANBUL

Thousands of people gathered Sunday in the Philippine capital Manila to express their anger against alleged corruption as some protesters clashed with the police.

Large numbers of protesters assembled at major locations such as the People Power Monument and Rizal Park to voice their anger over alleged corruption in flood control projects.

As of 10.45 AM (0245GMT) on Sunday, Manila officials reported that some 49,000 people had assembled at Luneta Park for an anti-corruption demonstration, according to the Inquirer.

An organizer estimated that 80,000 people were taking part in the demonstration.

University students and activist groups staged a march around Rizal Park in Manila protesting alleged irregularities in flood control projects.

Protesters also demanded accountability from corrupt politicians, the release of statements detailing assets, liabilities, and net worth, and the signing of bank secrecy waivers by all government officials.

On Mendiola Street, police officers in riot gear stood behind barricades as protesters marched to condemn the alleged anomalies.

According to ABS-CBN, 20 people were taken into custody on Sunday afternoon during the clashes in Manila, the national police said, adding that at least 39 police officers were injured.

Authorities claimed protesters set a trailer truck on fire and threw stones near the intersection of Ayala and Romualdez streets before being taken into police custody.

"We respect the public's right to peaceful assembly, but we strongly appeal to everyone to remain calm and refrain from violence," the Philippine National Police said in a statement.

"Such actions endanger lives and undermine the message of those who wish to protest peacefully."

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered the police to exercise “maximum tolerance” in handling anti-corruption protests that turned violent, according to the Philippine News agency.

“Maximum tolerance. No one should get hurt,” Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said in a television interview when asked about the president’s directive.

“We will protect the citizens peaceably assembling to redress their grievance, but we will not tolerate instability and violence,” Remulla added in a separate statement.

Manila Mayor Francisco Isko Moreno Domagoso ordered the local police to strictly implement curfew hours between 10.00 pm (1400GMT) and 4.00 am (2000GMT) for minors younger than 17 in the city on Sunday, according to the Manila Bulletin.