Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Monday, November 17, warned that protesters calling for “Marcos Resign” and urging the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to withdraw support from the government may face investigation for acts “close to inciting to sedition.”
“That’s close to inciting to sedition, so i-investigate namin sila. [Ang] mga ganitong salita has no place in a civil society,” Remulla told reporters, stressing that the probe will uphold truth, accountability, justice, and due process.
“We will go through truth, accountability, and justice, and go through due process, kung sino mang mahahatulan dito.”
He emphasized that free speech carries limits.
“Freedom of expression comes with a sense of responsibility… calling an active citizen is not pertaining, it’s dangerous to the state,” he said, adding that citizens must “behave in all civility.”
Remulla assured that the investigation will not affect protesters who obtained permits for the second day of demonstrations.
“Preparations are the same, security measures are the same… we will hear a lot of voices,” he said.
The remarks came as the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) staged a three-day “Rally for Transparency and a Better Democracy” at the Quirino Grandstand from November 16 to 18, alongside the United People’s Initiative (UPI) rally at the EDSA People Power Monument.