September 21 rallies: Over 100k marchers call for arrest of corrupt officials, cohorts

Over 100,000 marchers went to Luneta Park and the EDSA People Power Monument in the two major September 21 rallies against corruption amid the ongoing investigation into the misuse of billions of pesos meant for flood control projects.

According to Darlene Cay’s report on “24 Oras Weekend,” at least 50,000 marchers joined the “Baha sa Luneta, Aksyon sa Korapsyon” protest organized by progressive organizations, according to the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

On EDSA and White Plains Avenue, organizers estimated the crowd that gathered to have reached 70,000.

Aside from the demonstrations in Manila and on EDSA, there were also anti-corruption rallies in Cebu City, Bacolod, and Iloilo.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said the anti-corruption protests were peaceful except in Mendiola, where dozens were hurt and several individuals were arrested after rioters denied by the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan hurled rocks at and went after policemen.

BAYAN president Renato Reyes said they were not affiliated with the progressives who held the rally at the Luneta and Mendiola.

Several one-piece pirate flags, seen in protests in Indonesia and Nepal, were also seen at Sunday's rallies.

'Tama na, sobra na'

The Manila protesters, many of whom were angry and emotional, called for those behind the massive graft to be held accountable and jailed.

“Tama na, sobra na ang pandarambong sa bayan,” said David San Juan, convenor of the Tama Na coalition.

(Enough with the pillage of the country’s coffers.)

Reyes said people from different walks of life and they are angry.

“Ang iba ho ngayon, malalim ‘yung galit ng tao,” Reyes said. 

(The difference now is the depth of the anger of the people.)

'Jail the corrupt'

Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP) chairman Leody De Guzman called for accountability among those involved in the ghost and substandard flood control projects.

“Kailangang ipakulong ang lahat ng sangkot sa corruption,” De Guzman said.

(All those involved in the corruption should be jailed.)

There were politicians and celebrities at the Luneta rally.

They include ML party-list Rep. Leila De Lima, Gabriela party-list Rep. Sarah Elago, and Kabataan party-list Rep. Renee Co.

The protesters went to the Mendiola Bridge after the program ended.

'Overperformed on EDSA'

For the 'Trillion-Peso March' at the EDSA Shrine and EDSA People Power Monument, spokesperson Kiko Aquino Dee said there were 60,000 to 70,000 that gathered.

“I think we overperformed. Yung initial assessment po ata ng bilang ng dumalo ay nasa 60,000 to 70,000. Though parang very rough pa lang yan, I'm not confirming na yun talaga yung bilang,” Dee said.

"Pero I think nai-express po natin yung gusto nating sabihin na talagang kadiring-kadiri yung pangungurakot ng ating mga politiko. Wala tayong sinasanto, Duterte man yan, Marcos,” he added.

Protesters started to gather at the venue around 7 a.m.

Akbayan party-list Rep. Chel Diokno, as well as actor Elijah Canla, were among those who spoke in front of the protesters.

At 10:30 a.m., Bishop of Cubao Elias Ayuban Jr. led a Holy Mass at the venue.

EDSA Shrine to People Power Monument

Protesters at the EDSA Shrine started to march to People Power around 1 p.m.

Some current and former government officials were spotted in the area, like Senators Risa Hontiveros, Bam Aquino, and Kiko Pangilinan, as well as former Finance Undersecretary Cielo Magno and former Quezon City Representative Kit Belmonte.

Some celebrities also joined the march, including Vice Ganda, Anne Curtis, Jasmine Curtlis-Smith, Donny Pangilinan, Darren Espanto, and Cristine Reyes.

Rain poured during the march. Intermittent rains were also experienced throughout the program on White Plains Avenue.

The protesters from EDSA Shrine were able to arrive at the People Power Monument around 2:00 p.m. 

Around 6 p.m., the gathering at People Power Monument ended. 

“Naihayag natin yung ating galit. Nanawagan po tayo sa ating mga politiko. Ginawa po natin ito sa isang mapayapang paraan. At saka, again, talagang ni-renew po natin yung ating commitment sa ating 1987 Constitution,” Dee said.

Peaceful  except in Mendiola

At least 40 people were hurt when masked protesters hurled objects and burned tires before a police barricade at Ayala Bridge in Manila in the wake of September 21 rallies against corruption in Manila on Sunday afternoon. 
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The rallies at the Luneta and Mendiola in Manila and on EDSA were held amid ongoing investigations into billions of pesos worth of "ghost" and substandard flood control projects.

According to the report on GMA Integrated News' "Protesta ng Bayan" Special Coverage, 39 of those injured were policemen.

The National Capital Region Police Office said minors were behind the disturbance. It added that the minors have been rescued, not arrested.

In a statement, the PNP said 17 people were arrested for supposedly throwing stones and burning tires in Mendiola. –NB, GMA Integrated News