The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has filed complaints against 97 individuals, including alleged financiers and instigators, linked to the violent anti-corruption protests in Manila last Sept. 21.
CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II said during a press briefing at Camp Crame that charges of inciting to sedition, conspiracy to commit sedition, and sedition under the Revised Penal Code were filed before the Department of Justice on Oct. 28.
“The investigation is continuing and in the next few days, we will be filing again cases against the instigators and supposed people behind the violent incident in Recto and in Mendiola,” Morico said.
Authorities have also identified several individuals captured in viral videos allegedly urging protesters to commit violence, including calls to burn Malacañang Palace.
PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. assured that police are preparing for the upcoming nationwide protests on Nov. 30, citing strengthened security measures near Malacañang during the Sept. 21 demonstrations.
“Alam natin the rallyists coming from the Luneta Grandstand, the group coming from Liwasang Bonifacio, en route to People Power Monument and the EDSA Shrine, alam naman natin na dadaan ‘yun sa Malacañang. Kaya nga tayo nagharang, naglagay tayo ng mga barrier doon,” Nartatez said.
He said the police are prioritizing three key measures: monitoring protest groups, reinforcing security barriers and surveillance systems with local government units, and deploying additional security personnel.
“We continuously monitor who are these personalities, lalo na ‘yung different groups na pwedeng maghasik ng hindi maganda. That’s why we filed cases,” he said.
Nartatez added that the PNP is working with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Coast Guard, and other force multipliers to secure key protest areas.