Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso on Thursday, September 4, vowed to maintain peace and order in the capital following a protest by militant youth groups at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
In a press conference, Domagoso said he has instructed Manila Police District (MPD) director Brigadier General Arnold Abad to prevent any escalation of unrest after militant youth group members trooped to the DPWH compound.
“I already directed General Abad and the MPD, I will not tolerate mob rule in the city,” Domagoso said.
During the demonstration, protesters were seen hurling rotten fruits and water balloons at the DPWH offices amid controversies surrounding flood control projects.
“I will not allow disturbing, destroying offices of government and particularly, allow to destroy the peace of any individual residing in the City of Manila,” he said.
“Kung gusto nilang ilabas ang kanilang mga hinaing at ang kanilang mga damdamin, malaya nilang magagawa iyon sa Maynila, doon sa aming mga freedom park,” he added.
Domagoso also reminded demonstrators of their legal responsibilities.
“Matatanda naman na sila. Tingin ko naman, nakita ko doon, puro dise otso anyos pataas na eh. You are legally bound with your actions, violation of civil disturbance, violation of rights of any citizen,” he stressed.
“We are a nation and city under the rule of law. Karapatan ng taumbayan, nino man, na magkaroon ng pamayanang may kapanatagan,” he said. “But I will not tolerate any mob rule under my watch.”
