Bayan: Mendiola rally a success despite police 'overkill'

MANILA, Philippines — The organizers of the Sept. 21 anti-corruption rally near Mendiola said their show of force was a success despite “fear mongering” and “overkill measures” from the police and Malacañang. Thousands of protesters marched from Liwasang Bonifacio to the vicinity of Mendiola Peace Arch to mark the 54th anniversary of the martial law declaration. Bayan, a progressive group, claimed that the police’s “overkill” and the alleged “fear mongering” by Malacañang did not deter their members from participating in the rally. “Despite the overkill and fear mongering from the police and Malacañang, the rally was a success,” Bayan said in a statement. “We were able to gather thousands of protesters who were able to voice out their concerns against corruption and other issues that affect the Filipino people,” they added. Bayan also accused the police of allegedly harassing some of their members who were on their way to the rally. “We condemn the harassment and intimidation tactics employed by the police against our members. This is a clear violation of our democratic rights,” Bayan said. The group also called on the government to address the issues raised by the protesters and to take immediate action against corruption. “We urge the government to listen to the voices of the people and to take concrete steps to eradicate corruption from our society,” Bayan said.