The head of the Catholic bishops’ leadership lamented the violence at a weekend rally in Mendiola and urged demonstrators to press their call for government accountability through peaceful means.
Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, said the incident was a sad turn in the public’s growing clamor for honesty in governance.
“It is saddening that violence broke out at the Mendiola rally,” David said. “Let us not give in to provocation or violence.”
“What is more important is our collective stand—firm yet peaceful—for accountability and honesty in government,” he added.
The CBCP earlier issued a “call to action,” inviting the faithful to join the Sept. 21 “Trillion Peso March” at the EDSA People Power Monument “in a spirit of truth, justice and peace.”
Nationwide protests were held Sunday to condemn alleged corruption in flood control projects.
Authorities said most rallies were peaceful, but the gatherings at Ayala Bridge and Mendiola turned chaotic.
Police reported that more than 200 people, including minors, were arrested, while over 90 officers were injured during the Manila protest.
The Health department also said an unidentified man was declared dead on arrival at a hospital after suffering a stab wound.
