Castro on Sept. 21 protests: If groups will stage violent rallies, that’s illegal

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Thursday asked Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) to clarify how it plans to hold its Sept. 21 protest if it is rejecting government’s call for a peaceful demonstration.

The Palace is reacting to the statement of Bayan Secretary-General Raymond “Mong” Palatino on the sidelines of a protest outside Camp Crame in Quezon City.

Palatino had said Malacañang has no right to dictate how people should protest.

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READ: Bayan to Palace: Focus on anti-corruption drive, not Sept. 21 rallies

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Instead, the government should focus on controlling corruption and stopping those who abuse their power, he added.

“They shouldn’t rein in the people expressing grievances over widespread corruption, prevailing hunger, rising oil prices. Aren’t those deserving of anger?” he wondered.

Palatino’s remarks came in response to Palace Press Officer Claire Castro’s previous appeal to protesters planning to join Monday’s rallies to remain peaceful as they air their grievances.

READ: Palace appeals for peaceful Sept. 21 demonstrations

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Responding to Palatino, Castro stressed that the call for a peaceful protest was not a dictate, but was in accordance with the law.

“Do they intend to be violent? Will they carry out their protest with violence? That is against the law,” she said at the briefing.

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“Urging them to keep their protest peaceful is not an attempt to dictate to them. In fact, they are not being prohibited from protesting,” she noted.

“But to claim that we are dictating terms is a blatant lie,” Castro remarked.

“So the question is: If you do not want a peaceful protest, what kind of protest do you want? One that is violent, involves physical harm, stone-throwing, and abuse directed at our police officers? Is that right?” she asked.

“Should our fellow citizens tolerate that? What exactly are they fighting for here? Is it for the people, or for violence?” she continued.

The Philippine National Police has heightened security preparations for the rallies set for Sept. 21, which marks the 54th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law.

Groups will also protest alleged government corruption linked to the flood control controversy.

This coming Monday also marks the one-year anniversary of the Sept. 21 rally in 2025, which resulted in one death and 76 injuries.

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The event happened as rioters, clad in black and wearing masks, clashed with police at the foot of Ayala Bridge in Manila and set a trailer on fire near the road leading to Malacañang. /apl