Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Wednesday issued a stern warning against groups planning to exploit the three-day Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) protest for destabilization efforts, saying the government will not hesitate to arrest anyone causing disorder, particularly in Mendiola.
“Ngayon pa lang, yung gustong mag-destabilization… ‘Pag ganitong red-alert kami, ang mga lugar ng Mendiola na ‘yan, yung malapit sa Malacañang, no man’s land ‘yan… We will arrest you. We will do whatever it takes to stabilize the country,” Remulla said in a radio interview.
He reminded that protests without a permit are prohibited, especially in red-alert areas near the Palace.
Remulla also dismissed reports that anyone was killed during the September 21 riot in Mendiola and Recto, where around 200 individuals were arrested following clashes between police and rallyists.