BAYAN refutes affiliation with Mendiola clamor, rioters to face charges

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) president Renato Reyes denies that the groups involved in the Mendiola clash were not linked with BAYAN and other progressive groups during the anti-corruption rallies over the flood control project scandal, as rioters are likely to face charges. 

Reyes released a statement after numerous individuals were injured and more than 10 minors were arrested after black-masked youth hurled stones and reportedly even Molotov cocktails at anti-riot policemen deployed at the Ayala and Mendiola areas near Malacanang. 

“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. And even after we ended the program, they stayed on,” the BAYAN leader noted. 

He said that he was also affected because of the commotion. 

“Currently at the ER, bloodied after being hit by a rock in Mendiola. The Bayan program had ended, we were already leaving via organized dispersal when a commotion broke out in Mendiola. Stones were being thrown, and I got hit in the face,” Reyes said.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said on September 22 that rioters will face charges and even be called “anarchists” following the pattern of Nepal and Indonesia protests. 

“The protest was about a better country, not about anarchy, and these people are anarchists,” Remulla said. 

According to the secretary, minors could face charges, but the social welfare agency “has to be there to assist them first.”

Remulla also said that others may face charges of threats to authority, theft with homicide, and frustrated homicide for allegedly hurling Molotov cocktails at police officers.

“We consider that an intent to kill,” he said.

BAYAN leader, however, said on September 22 that he understands the rage of protesters who throw stones at the anti-corruption rally. 

“[W]e are not about to condemn the poor who express their anger against the system in ways we might not be comfortable with,” Reyes stated. 

“Kasalanan ng sistema kung bakit malalim ang galit ng tao,” he added.