Philippines to charge 97 people over involvement in Sept anti-corruption protests
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
A commotion breaks out at the Mendiola area in Manila during the anti-corruption rally in September.
PHOTO: PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
Follow topic:
MANILA – The Philippines’ Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) director Major-General Robert Alexander Morico on Nov 3 said charges were filed on Oct 28 before the Department of Justice against at least 97 individuals over violent incidents during the Sept 21 anti-corruption rallies.
The cases were for violations of the Revised Penal Code, particularly Articles 136, 139 and 142, which pertain to conspiracy and proposal to commit rebellion or insurrection, sedition, and inciting to sedition, respectively, Mr Morico said in a press briefing at Camp Crame.
Who are the respondents? The CIDG director answered: “The instigators, including those who funded it and those who are behind the planning. Our investigation is ongoing. No one will be spared.”
Asked to clarify, Philippine National Police (PNP) public information chief Brigadier-General Randulf Tuano said the cases against the 97 individuals are apart from possible cases against 40 persons.
“This is just the first batch. Those who have been issued a subpoena are in batch two,” Mr Tuano explained.
While the CIDG has consistently declined to identify the supposed respondents, at least six individuals have either identified themselves online or have been identified through copies of the subpoenas.
They are:
Mr Aldrin Kitsune: Film student at De La Salle University, College of Saint Benilde; officer at anti-corruption group Kabataan Kontra Korapsyon
Mr Park Alamada Pangawilan: Vlogger, also known as Kuya Park
Mr Jacob Baluyot: Journalism student at Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), Sta Mesa; associate editor at PUP student publication The Catalyst
Mr Joaquin Buenaflor: Political science student at University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman; chairperson at UP Diliman University Student Council
Ms Tiffany Brillante: Political science student, PUP Sta Mesa; president of PUP Central Student Council
Mr Harry Angping: Former Manila 3rd District representative; former chairman of Philippine Sports Commission
All six respondents have denied involvement in the riots. PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
