Protests vs pork barrel set in key cities of Mindanao

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — A group of anti-pork barrel protesters will march to the Freedom Park at the Rizal Park where they will join those who will gather in a “festival of protests from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

On the OneMillionMarch-Davao Facebook page, one protester posted: “ ‘Express Yourself’ will be our theme on Monday. Bring your guitar, your tambourine, anything to make some noise; visual artists can paint on the spot, or do henna tattoos; poets can read their poems; dancers can dance.”

In Zamboanga City, hundreds are expected to join the “El Pueblo Unido Contra Robo – Marcha de Zamboanga Contra Corrupcion (The city is united against robbers – Zamboangueños march against corruption)” Monday morning.

Protesters will march for three kilometers– from the Normal Road to Plaza Pershing.

Dr. Ederlinda Fernandez, president of the Women’s Studies Association of the Philippines and vice president for planning, administration and finance at the Western Mindanao State University, said she would join the march on Monday, her 63rd birthday.

“(My reason) is my unexplained poverty since I have been working with the government since 1975. It’s my birthday tomorrow and I need to do something meaningful for my country and for myself,” Fernandez said.

In Cagayan de Oro, protesters will gather at the Gascon Park at 2 to 5 p.m.

In General Santos City, militants, religious and other concerned citizens are expected to troop to the Plaza Heneral Santos in the afternoon until sundown where protesters will hold a candle-lighting activity. Karlos Manlupig, Cai Panlilio, Julie S. Alipala and Aquiles Z. Zonio, Inquirer Mindanao