PRESS STATEMENT

“Condemn the violent Bonifacio Day rally in Manila”

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) commends the Philippine National Police (PNP) in exercising maximum restraint before rallyists turned violent during the Bonifacio Day protest along CM Recto Avenue in Manila on Saturday, November 30. We express solidarity in condemning this act of aggression clearly meant to goad our policemen and disrupt peace and order.

While we acknowledge and fully support every Filipino's constitutional right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, what the rallyists did was a blatant abuse of these rights and veered away from the principles of peaceful protest.

According to initial reports, a police officer suffered serious eye injury, while several others sustained minor injuries during the commotion. Some protesters were likewise injured due to the reckless incitement by their leaders and organizers. Spokespersons from Bayan Muna, Gabriela Women's Partylist, and Anakbayan were quick to blame the PNP, despite the fact that video footages show they forcefully broke through the police line.

This unfortunate incident once again exposes that the organizers' true intention was not to peacefully commemorate the birth of a national hero, but to provoke violence and grab headlines. It is a tactic in their urban engagement playbook to instigate violence, disrupt order, and then blame law enforcers when commotion ensues.

We remind rally organizers and participants to engage in lawful and constructive actions that aim to open venues for dialogue and understanding. The NTF-ELCAC remains open to peaceful dialogues with groups to address their concerns and work towards shared solutions.

We also urge the PNP to continue safeguarding public safety in the face of challenges while upholding citizens' right to peacefully assemble.

Lastly, the NTF-ELCAC emphasizes the need for instigators of violence and disorder to be held accountable under the rule of law. Lawlessness has no place in a nation striving for unity, development, and respect for the rule of law.