𝗢𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗢𝗡 | Catching Fire

Amidst the chaos in Mendiola and other parts of Manila, one thing is clear: the anger of the people has been set ablaze, fueled by years of suppressed outrage against corruption. It is impossible to ignore what is happening; we are seeing years of suppressed anger against corruption finally boil over. 

Yet, instead of acknowledging this, some narratives portray protesters as terrorists or criminals, attempting to dismiss their grievances when in truth, these protesters are the very victims of the government's failure to eradicate corruption. They are not enemies of peace; they are victims of a broken system that has long neglected their needs. The destruction of property, while regrettable, is of frustration, not a reflection of malicious intent.

Some argue that any form of violence or destruction is unjustifiable, and that is true—violence is never the answer. Regardless of the anger, the destruction of public or private property can never be condoned, and the use of violence crosses a line that transforms a protest into a riot, which then requires law enforcement to maintain public order. But it is also vital to understand the context. The rage of the people is a direct reaction to the brutality they face when trying to voice their grievances. When police fire live rounds into crowds, it is not just an act of law enforcement, it is an act of terror aimed to create fear and silence the very voices demanding change.

As the flames grew stronger, the blame shifted towards the protesters—the thick cloud of smoke effectively obstructing the focus from the real issue which is corruption, and shifting it to the destruction caused by the fire. But this should not make corrupt politicians complacent, because the smoke is starting to clear. Videos of police brutality are surfacing, news of unjust arrests are circulating, and the lies being fed to the Filipinos are starting to unravel.

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno has stated that police exercised “maximum tolerance” during the clashes, while National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Police Brigadier General Anthony Aberin stated that there were no shots fired. Yet what is circulating online shows an alarming contrast: violence, gunshots, and a lack of compassion for the protesters. 

As Filipinos, we should be compelled to question this disparity. Why are the stories of police brutality often left in the shadows? Why are they excusing the blatant gunshots as mere fireworks?

We must realize that the real terror lies not in the protesters’ voices, but in the officials that are spinning stories to keep themselves safe, unaccountable, and untouchable.

Media reports have varied in their focus. Many outlets emphasize injuries to police officers and the challenges of maintaining order, which is understandable given the risks law enforcement faces. Meanwhile, there are fewer mentions of alleged police actions, such as statements from protesters present during the riot, videos circulating online that show officers using force against unarmed civilians, and the unjust arrests of over 200 protesters, including 91 minors.

As we witness these events unfold, we must critically examine the narratives presented to us. The media has a responsibility to report the truth fairly and without bias. The police, meanwhile, must be held accountable for their actions, especially when they cross the line of maintaining order into violence and brutality.

Let us be reminded that the protest is a necessary spark—one that can properly ignite change if fueled by truth and justice. The protesters are not terrorists; they are the voice of our countrymen that are suppressed and it is high time that the government listens. The government must act now because once fire catches, being scalded will be the least of their worries.

#TheTemplar