Trillion Peso March 2.0 rally peaceful—DILG

The anti-corruption rally that drew thousands of protesters in various parts of Metro Manila over the weekend was generally safe and peaceful, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said Monday.

DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said an estimated 20,000 people attended the second "Trillion Peso March" on Sunday, November 30.

"100% po na walang nasaktan, walang acts of violence, walang hooliganism, walang anarchy at iyong security preparations ng PNP po ay nasunod at sumunod rin ang mga tao.," Remulla said during a Palace briefing.

(No one was hurt. There were 100% no incidents of violence, hooliganism, and anarchy. The PNP preparations were also followed.)

Over the weekend, rallyists trooped to various venues across Metro Manila to renew their call for an end to corruption and political dynasties.

Remulla said that at its peak, around 6,000 protesters gathered at the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City; and 3,000 at Luneta Park; 1,000 at Liwasang Bonifacio; and 2,000 in Mendiola, all in Manila.

The massive protest is the second iteration of the anti-corruption protest held last September 21.

3 arrested

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it has released the three individuals who were brought to a police station for wearing balaclavas during the rally.

A balaclava is a close-fitting cloth head covering that usually covers the head, the neck, and sometimes the entire face, leaving only the eyes—or eyes and mouth—exposed.

The PNP warned the rallyists against wearing balaclavas due to Manila's recent passage of an anti-balaclava ordinance, or Ordinance No. 9134.

"Sila po ay inimbitahan doon sa police station sa may Ermita, ito po ay kaugnay nang umiiral na city ordinance na pagsusuot po ng balaclava during rally po," said PNP Spokesperson Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño.

(They were invited to the Ermita police station due to the city's anti-balaclava  ordinance.)

"Makaraan na magpakita sila ng mga karagdagang identification cards, sila po ay kaagad na rin po na pinakawalan o ni-release na rin po sila kaaga," he said.

(They were immediately released after presenting ID cards.)

The rallyists, who identified themselves as Cavite-based media practitioners, explained they wore balaclavas for protection, the police added.—MCG, GMA Integrated News