The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) urged parents to keep their children from joining so-called “gangsta” groups that may cause trouble during the three-day rally led by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) starting Sunday.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla reminded parents to guide their children and ensure they do not get involved in potentially violent gatherings. “Sa mga magulang, sana paalalahanan ninyo ang inyong mga anak na huwag sumama sa mga ‘geng-geng’ at ‘gangsta.’ Lahat ng magpakita ng balak manggulo ay pagtuunan namin ng buong bigat ng batas,” Remulla said in a statement Friday.
“Ang kalayaan para sa matiwasay na pagpupulong para iparamdam ang damdamin ay nakasaad sa ating Saligang Batas. Ang manggulo at manakit ay hindi kasama doon,” Remulla added, emphasizing the distinction between peaceful assembly and violence.
The riots were reportedly sparked by individuals dressed in black clothing and masks, flashing gang signs, and waving a flag with the Jolly Roger symbol from the anime One Piece as they hurled projectiles at authorities. Around 200 individuals were arrested, and at least two were reportedly killed during the chaos — prompting human rights groups to criticize the police for not exercising “maximum tolerance.”
The DILG chief expressed support for INC’s call for peace and accountability during the protests. “Kami po sa DILG ay nakikiisa sa mungkahi ng Iglesia ni Cristo sa kanilang panawagan. Para sa katotohanan, pananagutan, at hustisya ang tinig at sigaw ng bawat Pilipino. Bahagi ng aming katungkulan ang siguraduhin ang kapayapaan sa mga kaganapan,” he said.
The three-day INC rally was held at Luneta Park in Manila to call for government transparency and accountability. Meanwhile, the United People’s Initiative — a coalition of retired military officials — launched a simultaneous rally at the People Power Monument in Quezon City. The Philippine National Police (PNP), an attached agency of the DILG, deployed 16,433 police officers to key sites including Malacañang, the Senate, and the House to maintain order throughout the demonstrations.
