Independence Day protest vs pork barrel generally peaceful—police

RYAN LEAGOGO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—As the Independence Day protest against the pork barrel system in Manila ends, the police deemed the rally as generally peaceful.

“It was a peaceful gathering. Matahimik naman silang nagpahayag ng damdamin sa mga nasa itaas (They peacefully expressed their sentiments),” Superintendent ‎Fernando Opelanio, Manila Police District (MPD) ground commander at Mendiola, told INQUIRER.net.

Although barbed wire barricades were set up by the police at Mendiola Peace Arch gate to block off ralliers, these were left untouched by the protesters unlike in the previous demonstrations.

“So far there were no threats, no one even attempted to instigate tension,” he said.

Around 5,000 protesters from different sectors converged at Liwasang Bonifacio and marched with lit torches to Mendiola denouncing anew the pork barrel system.

“Pwede naman silang magpahayag ng damdamin (They could express their sentiments) anytime and anywhere. May demokrasya naman tayo (We have a democracy),” Opelanio added.

Earlier the Philippine National Police (PNP) assured that it will provide maximum deployment of police officers and Civil Disturbance Management in all places of engagement to ensure peace and order for the June 12 celebration.

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