RENATO Reyes, president of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN), has stated that the groups responsible for the violent commotion in Mendiola were not affiliated with BAYAN or the broader progressive movement that organized anti-corruption rallies in Manila on Sunday.
Reyes asserted that BAYAN and its allied organizations advocate for peaceful and responsible protest actions, and strongly condemn the destructive behavior exhibited by the rioters in Mendiola.
He emphasized that the actions of the violent group undermined the legitimate grievances and demands raised during the larger anti-corruption demonstrations.
Reyes clarified that the anti-corruption rallies organized by BAYAN and other progressive groups focused on the alleged misuse of billions of pesos intended for flood control projects, a critical issue affecting many communities across the Philippines.
He stated that these rallies were conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner, with participants expressing their outrage and demanding accountability from government officials. The focus of these rallies was to highlight the need for transparency and good governance in the allocation and utilization of public funds.
BAYAN’s disavowal of the Mendiola rioters underscores the diversity of political and social movements in the Philippines, and the importance of distinguishing between peaceful protest and violent acts.
Reyes reiterated BAYAN’s commitment to pursuing social change through non-violent means and called on authorities to thoroughly investigate the Mendiola incident and bring those responsible for the violence and vandalism to justice. He also urged the public to remain vigilant against attempts to discredit legitimate protest movements through acts of provocation and violence.
