The group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) questioned why traffic was still flowing along parts of Roxas Boulevard despite their scheduled protest at Luneta, known as the “Baha sa Luneta 2.0” rally.
Early this morning, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reportedly blocked their preparations and setup at Luneta for the protest.
In an interview with Brigada News FM Manila, Bayan Secretary General Mong Palatino said they were being barred from holding the protest, and were being asked for a permit, even though their activities had already been properly coordinated with the local government of Manila and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
According to Palatino, the MMDA had prepared portable toilet for them, and the Manila LGU had implemented road closures. He said the city even assured them of the same assistance provided during the INC rally, showing that coordination was indeed in place.
Palatino also linked the situation to what he described as “overkill” and “unnecessary” security preparations around Malacañang.
He claimed the President seemed to be acting out of fear.
The group emphasized that authorities should not fear their protest since law enforcers had already been informed of the flow and activities for the event. Even the list of speakers had been communicated.
Bayan maintained their need to march toward Mendiola because, four months after the flood control project exposé, no one has yet been held accountable.
In the end, Palatino stressed that the people’s freedom of expression must be respected, along with public outrage over widespread corruption.
(PHOTO COURTESY: BRIGADA NEWS FM MANILA | ANNE CORTEZ)
