Trillion Peso March passes without untoward incident

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan, Philippine News Agency

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, acting Philippine National Police chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. and other high-ranking officers during real-time monitoring of Trillion Peso March activities at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Sunday (Philippine News Agency/facebook)

MANILA – The “Trillion Peso March” in Metro Manila on Sunday passed without major incidents, according to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla.

He said the protests were “very peaceful” and the constitutional right to assemble and air grievances was respected.

“It was the best outcome we could hope for,” Remulla told the Philippine News Agency in a text message.

Remulla noted that while progress in anti-corruption efforts, particularly in flood control projects, may seem slow, people are beginning to see results.

“Even if it starts off slowly, they can see the direction it’s headed. As long as the wheels of justice keep turning, I think people will be satisfied,” he said in a radio interview.

He stressed that public demonstrations must coexist with the government’s responsibility to protect communities and maintain uninterrupted delivery of services.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. lauded the force for upholding professionalism and restraint.

According to the National Capital Region Police Office, the biggest crowd estimate at the People Power Monument along EDSA in Quezon City reached around 5,000 at 4 p.m.

The protest marks the second edition of the anti-corruption demonstrations, following the first one held Sept. 21.

In a separate statement, Nartatez said isolated attempts to disrupt the program were quickly handled by quick response teams, preventing escalation.

“I commend our ground commanders and personnel who remained steadfast throughout the day.

From their deployment as early as Saturday to the final clearing operations, our units carried out their duties with professionalism and restraint. Your conduct reflects the values expected of the Philippine National Police,” Nartatez said.