Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) president Renato Reyes clarified on Sunday that the violent incident in Mendiola was not linked to his group or its allies, stressing that the scuffle erupted after their program had already ended.
Reyes said masked individuals in black remained in the area and started pelting anti-riot police with stones, with reports of Molotov cocktails also being thrown. The chaos resulted in multiple injuries and the arrest of more than 10 minors.
The activist leader himself was among those hurt. “Currently at the ER, bloodied after being hit by a rock in Mendiola. The Bayan program had ended, we were already leaving via organized dispersal when a commotion broke out in Mendiola. Stones were being thrown, and I got hit in the face,” Reyes shared.
He stressed that the agitators were not connected to Bayan. “The people who stayed in Mendiola were angry, years of pent-up anger. We don’t know who the groups were. They’re not affiliated with BAYAN. But we could sense their anger. And even after we ended the program, they stayed on,” he explained.
Reyes noted that the unrest may have been fueled by deep frustration over corruption scandals, particularly the alleged misuse of billions in flood control funds. “They could be provocateurs, or they could just be really angry at what is happening. At the end of this day, the government cannot ignore the problem of corruption and give so-so responses. Kumukulo ang galit ng tao. Huwag maliitin ng gobyerno,” he warned.
Despite his injuries, Reyes assured supporters he is recovering. “I’m fine. Maga lang mukha pero makakapag martsa pa rin,” he said.
