Palace Urges Non-Violence Ahead of September 21 Rallies

The Presidential Palace on Wednesday appealed to the public to refrain from violence ahead of anticipated rallies on September 21, while affirming respect for the right to express sentiments. Presidential Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated, "The President will not stop and is not blocking the sentiment or the expression of our countrymen through these types of gatherings. But there is no need for there to be violence, harm or death among our citizens because the President is listening to the concern of every citizen." Past rallies on September 21 have resulted in over 100 arrests and injuries to 93 police personnel. This date marks the anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law by the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr., father and namesake of the current president, and has since become an annual protest day in the Philippines. Castro confirmed that the Philippine National Police (PNP) are prepared for the upcoming rallies. Addressing calls for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to resign amid allegations of a multi-billion dollar flood control scam, Castro said, "The Ombudsman acted according to the evidence they saw, what else do these people want? There seems to be no satisfaction." She emphasized that the government is taking action to exact accountability for the corruption scheme. According to Amnesty International, Martial Law saw the deaths of upwards of 3,200 people, with around 70,000 more being arrested. Information Source: GMA News Philippines