Militant groups march from Luneta to Mendiola amid Nov. 30 anti-corruption protest

Several groups marched from Luneta to Mendiola Street in Manila to continue their Bonifacio Day anti-corruption protest on Sunday afternoon.

Among these are members of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, Kilusang Mayo Uno, Anakbayan, Kilusang Mambubukid ng Pilipinas, and Partido Lakas ng Masa.

BAYAN president Renato Reyes said holding a protest in Mendiola St. is part of their activity.

“Kailangan natin ituloy because that’s part of the message. 'Pag sinabing lahat ng sangkot, dapat managot, we believe na hanggang Malacañang yun,” Reyes told GMA News Online.

(We need to continue our protest [in Mendiola] because that’s part of the message. If we say everyone’s accountable, it mean that includes Malacañang.)

“They fortified the surroundings of Malacañang. They turned it into a fortress. So, that’s a sign of insecurity,” he added. 

As of 10:30 a.m., around 3,000 individuals joined the protest at Luneta, according to the Manila Police District.

Makabayan said the protest will push through in spite of claims that their preparations were blocked by authorities.

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) earlier said Mendiola is off-limits to any public gatherings.

"Ang Mendiola ay hindi pwede sa kahit anong pagtitipon. Off limits po yan. Hindi po 'yan talaga binibigyan ng permit," Asilo said.

(No gathering is allowed in Mendiola. That is off limits. No rally permit is given for this area.)

Authorities are maintaining tight security in the Mendiola area which is near Malacanang Palace, particularly after the violence that erupted during the September 21 rally that resulted in several injuries between protesters and police officers. —RF, GMA Integrated News