Cops abort anti-Aquino rally at Edsa

Security forces from the Eastern Police District’s Civil Disturbance Management Unit prevented protesters belonging to the “Edsa 2/22 coalition” from occupying steps of the Edsa Shrine on Sunday, the kick-off of a planned series of protest actions against President Aquino.

The protest march started a week marking the 29th anniversary of the People Power Revolt, led by Mr. Aquino’s mother, Corazon, which ended the Marcos dictatorship.

The movement called for the President to step down as public outcry deepened over his handling of the Mamasapano tragedy and charges of cover-up by his security cluster of his possible liability became widespread.

The protesters also asked Vice President Jejomar Binay, Senate President Franklin Drilon, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte and their colleagues in Congress to resign to start a “system and reform change.”

Five 6×6 trucks carrying members of the Air Force were rushed to the vicinity of the protest rally that included, among others, the President’s uncle, former Rep. Jose “Peping” Cojuangco and his wife, Tingting.

The National Transition Council (NTC) had earlier called on Mr. Aquino to step down to give way to a “transition government” that would replace the incumbent administration.

The NTC, composed of bishops and other individuals, calls itself an “ecumenical and interfaith collective.” It professes to “work for the common good of Philippine society through rapid and comprehensive systems change.”

Sunday’s mobilization was small in comparison with past protest actions, but it ushers in a critical week when mass protests will peak on February 25, the Edsa 1 anniversary.

It also comes a day before the Senate resumes a potentially explosive panel inquiry into the Mamasapano clash, even as inconsistencies in the testimonies of DILG Secretary Mar Roxas, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and top Armed Forces and National Police officials appear to indicate, according to experts, a massive cover-up of the President’s role.

“Justice cannot be achieved in a process shrouded by half-truths and outright lies. Peace itself is threatened by the absence of truth and accountability. Thus do we demand truth and seek accountability—most especially from the highest official of the land—in order for justice to be served and genuine peace to be achieved,” several individuals and groups said in a joint statement at Sunday’s rally, ABS CBN new reported.

The signatories included Sister Mary John Mananzan, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines’s Vicente Joyas, United Church of Christ of the Philippines’s Bishop Arturo Asi, whistleblower Jun Lozada, women’s rights activists Judy Taguiwalo, Bibeth Orteza, Monique Wilson, and Million People March convenor Peachy Bretana, among others, the news network reported.

Malacañang, meanwhile, has opted for a “simple commemoration” of the 29th anniversary of the People Power. A wreath-laying ceremony will be held at the People Power Monument and a Holy Mass will follow at the Edsa Shrine.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., in a radio interview on Sunday, said Malacañang respects the public’s right to hold protest actions.

He said that those guarding the Edsa Shrine would strictly observe the policy of maximum tolerance.

“Ang alam po natin ay sa lahat naman ng pagkakataon ay handa ang ating kapulisan na magbigay ng proteksyon sa ating mga mamamayan at bigyan din ng sapat na karapatan ang ating mga mamamayang gustong magpahayag. Sana ay ilagay lang sa ayos na hindi po nakakaabala sa daloy ng normal na aktibidad ng mga mamamayan,” he said of a reported alert status among security personnel.