Court rejects $30K bail offer by Pinoy claiming to have US$10B in HSBC

 

HSBC branch where incident was reported (Google Maps photo)  

An elderly Filipino charged with using a false instrument after presenting papers purporting to show he had US$10 billion in deposits at Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp., returned to confinement Frday after his offer of $30,000 cash bail was refused at Eastern Court.

The amount offered by the lawyer of Ramon Revillosa Jr, 69, for his release from Siu Lam Hospital in Tuen Mun was 50% higher than the $20,000 he offered last Sept. 19. He has been remanded since arrest last Feb. 10.

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Principal Magistrate David Cheung told Revillosa that he rejected both offers because the charge against him was serious and his release will be a threat to himself and the community as he was still under psychiatric treatment, which doctors recommended should last four to six months.

Magistrate Cheung left untouched two hearing dates that he had set earlier – Oct. 3 to review Revillosa’s second psychiatric report and Nov. 6 to accept his plea of either guilty or not guilty.

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Revillosa is alleged to have presented a bank capability letter, guarantee letter and a certificate of balance, all purporting to have a value of US$10 billion and issued by HSBC, which he “knew, or believed to be, false”.

Using a false instrument is punishable under section 73 of the Crimes Ordinance with up to 14 years in jail.

Indo DH, local man arrested for ‘wave chasing’ with 2 kids

 

Kennedy Town waterfront, where the alleged 'wave chasing' happened

Hong Kong police have announced the arrest of an Indonesian domestic helper and a local man said to be the father of two young boys they took to watch waves along the Kennedy Town waterfront at the height of the onslaught of Super Typhoon Ragasa.

The arrests was prompted by a video that surfaced online on Sept 24 showing two adults and two young children watching waves crash near the shore at the intersection of Cadogan Street and Kennedy Town.

Many netizens expressed concern for the boys’ safety as powerful waves could be seen frequently slamming onto the road amid the No 10 typhoon signal, despite protective wire netting along the coast.

Western Police District officers who investigated the incident said the two boys were not harmed in the dangerous excursion.

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But as a result, their 46-year-old father and the family’s 33-year-old Indonesian helper were arrested for allegedly endangering the safety of the two boys aged 4 and 6 years old.

Earlier, two women, an Indian and a Sri Lankan, were also arrested after videos showed them taking selfies amid the raging storm along the coast in South Horizons, with an eight-year-old boy in tow.

The video captured them being engulfed by a strong wave, which police later said caused some bruising on the child’s legs and palms, while the women were not injured.

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Police said they are also following up the case of a family of three falling into the sea as they watched powerful waves crashing on the shores of Lei King Wan in Chai Wan.

The three were taken to hospital, and the father has since been discharged. But the mother and her 5-year-old son who were previously in critical condition, are now said to be stable. 

Police have called on the public to offer support to the recovering mother and child, who have not been spared for calls for similar prosecution.

They are also said to be looking at videos online if there were other people who had taken young children to engage in the so-called wave-chasing activity while the T10 warning signal was in forces.

PCG warns OFWs to beware of offers of ‘free groceries’

 

Not true that the HK govt is giving free groceries to OFWs, says PCG

The Philippine Consulate General has warned overseas Filipino workers to be wary of a post advising them to go to a shop in Sham Shui Po to avail of free groceries worth $5,000 supposedly from the Hong Kong government.

The post also said OFWs aged 65 and above can also avail of free eye check-up and eyeglasses from an optical shop in Central.

“No such program (from the Hong Kong government) exists,” said Vice Consul Gino Soriano, head of the assistance to nationals section.

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Even if it were true that groceries were being given away free to Filipino domestic workers, Soriano said they were definitely not from the Hong Kong government.

He said the post that has been circulated within the Filipino community has already been reported to the Aberdeen Police Station in Western District for a possible investigation.

In its advisory titled “Warning Against Scam Messages Offering Aid from Hong Kong Government” the PCG said such offer of free deals and rewards may be attempts to lure possible victims into disclosing and sharing their personal information which will then be used for such criminal activities as money laundering.

“The Filipino community is advised to be vigilant and discerning with random messages received online,” said the advisory.

Shared HKID cards and personal details may lead to one being dragged into a scam, says PCG

Checks with some OFWs who admitted to dealing with the two shops mentioned in the post revealed that no free groceries are actually being offered, but products aimed at the elderly, which are charged against the $2,000 medical vouchers given as a benefit by the HK government to any resident aged 65 years old and above, including migrant domestic workers.

As many OFWs are not aware that they can use these vouchers for medical, dental and eye check-ups with many clinics across Hong Kong, including such reputable chains as Quality Health Care, they are made to feel that they are getting a freebie when their Elderly Care Health vouchers are being charged for everything that is given them.

The vouchers that may be used for all kinds of medical and wellness services including physiotherapy, acupuncture and such, can also be accumulated to up to $8,000 their value if not used fully or partially.

To use the vouchers, all that the entitled resident should do is present his or her HKID card to any clinic that accepts them, and the charges that they should be informed about is deducted from the outstanding balance in their account.

For full information about the medical voucher scheme, please click on this link: https://www.hcv.gov.hk/en/index.html

As for sharing their HKID card and other personal details such as mobile phone number and address with an unknown group, the PCG’s warning is also very timely, given the prevalence of scams in HK and the number of OFWs who fall for them, particularly money laundering.

 

 

Migrant workers hit out at call for wage freeze

 

A Labour Dept representative receives the protesters' statement calling for $6172 minimum wage

Migrant domestic workers again picketed the Labour Department offices in Sheung Wan on Thursday to demand that their minimum wage be raised to $6,172 and denounce calls by an employer support group to freeze wages.

Protesters under the banner of the Asian Migrants Coordinating (AMCB) have reiterated their long-standing demand for a “living wage,” as the government is set to announce the result of its annual review of the minimum allowable wage (MAW) for MDWs.

Traditionally, the new MAW is made to take effect starting in October each year. Currently, it is set at $4,990 each month, while the food allowance for those who are not provided free food by their employers get an extra $1,236.

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Apart from outlining their reasons for calling for an increase of more than $1,000 a month, the protestors also submitted the signatures of some 4,000 people from various sectors who support their call for a living salary and oppose calls for wage freeze.

AMCB spokesperson Rosidha said in a statement that migrant domestic workers “do not deserve a wage freeze.”

While it may be true that the Hong Kong economy is on the decline, she said MDWs should not be made to bear the brunt of the decline, as they are already suffering from “slave wages.”

The government should provide the solution to this problem, and not pass on the burden to them, said the protesters.

“We do not deserve a wage freeze now, much more a wage cut,” Rosidha said.

As a result of the slump that followed the onslaught of SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) in 2003, the Hong Kong government imposed a $300 cut in the salaries of MDWs, the first and only time that it has done so.

Do not punish us more with a wage freeze, says AMCB

The call to freeze the MAW was made by the Quadripartite Alliance for Harmonious Employment Practices (QAHEP), which argued MDWs must do their part in alleviating the economic pinch.

“We can't think of a problem that will call for a wage freeze as a proper and logical solution, because it will cause more issues,” said Rosidha.

“The loan issue QAHEP is harping about? Wage freeze will eventually lead to more and bigger loans, as the wages of migrant workers are already too low to sustain our needs,” she added.

 

 

2 women arrested for taking child outdoors in T10 weather

Some people purposely go outdoors during stormy weather to witness the wrath of nature
(HK Free Press photo)
 

Police have arrested two women for allegedly endangering the life of an eight-year-old boy when they took him storm-chasing while Super Typhoon Ragasa was raging across Hong Kong, and Hurricane Signal No 10 was in force.

Officers said the two women, aged 32 and 36, along with the boy, were caught on video being hit by strong waves while they took selfies along the waterfront in South Horizons in Ap Lei Chau, on Wednesday afternoon.

The women, one of whom was said to be the boy’s mother, were described as friends. One of them is Indian and the other, Sri Lankan.

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Chief Inspector in Western District Cheung Wai-shan told reporters none of the three was seriously hurt but the boy had scrapes on his hands and feet.

Both women were arrested on suspicion of “ill-treatment or neglect by those in charge of a child or young person."

"The government had called on the public through multiple channels – before Ragasa hit Hong Kong – not to go storm-chasing during the typhoon. But there were still people who did not listen, putting themselves in danger," Cheung said.

"The police force strongly condemned such irresponsible acts of those bringing young children storm-chasing under extreme weather conditions."

Cheung said the police will review footages uploaded online while Ragasa was raging to see if there are any other similar cases so they can take appropriate action.

She added that they had received reports of people entering a closed beach in Tuen Mun during the No 10 signal.

In the morning of the same day, a family of three was struck by giant waves as they were storm-chasing off Chai Wan. The mother and her 5-year-old son were washed into the sea, and the father jumped in to save them.

Their young daughter who accompanied them sobbed loudly from the shore as she watched the horrific scene unfold.

Luckily a group of people saw them, and immediately launched a rescue operation. All three were rushed to hospital where they are still confined.

The authorities have repeatedly warned people to stay well away from the harbor during stormy weather, or refrain from “wave chasing” activities as these endanger not only them, but rescue service personnel as well.

Despite the warnings, many people have been captured on videos going outdoors in severe weather condition to chase waves or test the winds as if it were a sport.

 

DH charged after dog in her care dies

 

To Kwa Wan development where offense allegedly took place (Google Maps photo) 

A domestic helper has found herself facing a criminal charge of cruelty to animals after a dog died while in her care at her employer’s home in To Kwa Wan, Kowloon.

L. Portelo was remanded in jail after she appeared in a hearing today before Magistrate Philip Chan at Kowloon City Court.

Portelo, 38 years old, is accused of “repeatedly kicking a dog” at a flat in the Sky Tower on Sung Wong Toi Road last Sept. 14.

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“The dog was later certified dead,” the charge filed by the Kowloon City Police said.

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance, under which Portelo is charged, prescribes maximum penalties of a fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for 3 years.

Signal No 8 to remain until 8pm at least

 

Water barriers set up near the Lei Yue Mun pier (HK Free Press photo)

The Hong Kong Observatory has lowered Hurricane Signal No 10 to 8 at 1:20pm today, Wednesday, as Super Typhoon Ragasa spared the city from a direct hit, passing 120km around the south of Hong Kong earlier this morning. 

However, forecasters warned the public to remain alert, saying strong winds are still affecting many places of the territory. 

They also said the T8 signal will remain in place until 8pm tonight, and depending on how local winds weaken in the next few hours, it will be lowered to T3, which means all public transportation will resume service.

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Ragasa brought with it wind gusts exceeding 200 km per hour to some exposed and offshore areas, but the bigger part of the city only experienced around 100 km/hr winds. 

Despite warnings that Ragasa was stronger than Super Typhoon Mangkhut which wreaked extensive havoc in Hong Kong in 2018, the number of fallen trees this time appeared smaller, and reports of flooding and landslide were far lower. 

As of noon today, authorities received 437 reports of fallen trees while 15 reports of flooding, and one of landslide were recorded at 1pm.

A total of 62 people had sought treatment at public hospitals for various injuries as of noon.

This was despite photos and videos on social media showing major storm surges in coastal areas, including Victoria Harbour, Tai Po Kau and Tsim Bei Tsui where water levels rose up to 3.8 meters.

Man looks helplessly as waves crashed through the glass doors of Ocean Park Fullerton

A video that has gone viral showed waves crashing through the glass door of The Ocean Park Fullerton Hotel beside Ocean Park in Aberdeen, and a man in the lobby being washed away by the floodwaters.

However, the hotel later said no one was injured in the incident, and that it has immediately deployed additional staff to clean up the debris brought by the floodwaters. It has also assured that all its guests are safe and comfortable.

Ragasa caused the T10 signal to remain hoisted for 10 hours and 40 minutes, just 20 minutes shorter than the longest T10 ever raised for Typhoon York in 1999.

The super typhoon caused T8 to be raised at 2:20pm yesterday, then elevated to T9 at 2:20am today, before being raised further to T10 at 3:20am.

 

 

T10 up in HK, ‘likely to remain for some time’

 

Satellite image of Ragasa at 3am, Wednesday

Hurricane-force winds and heavy rain are lashing Hong Kong as Super Typhoon Ragasa continues to move closer to the city. The highest-level No 10 signal was raised at 2:40am on Wednesday, just one hour after T9 was issued.

The Hong Kong Observatory has warned the strongest weather warning is likely to remain for some time as Ragasa (rapid flow in Filipino) comes closest to the city later this morning, bringing with it strong winds, relentless downpour and thunderstorms.

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At 3am, Super Typhoon Ragasa was centered about 130km south-southeast of Hong Kong. It is expected to move west-northwest at about 22 km per hour, which means it would come closest to the city and the rest of Western Guangdong at about 9am.

In the past hour, maximum sustained wind speed at Waglan Island was 120 km/hr with gusts of over 143 km/hr. Earlier, maximum sustained wind speeds near Ragasa’s center reached 220 km/hr.

HK Observatory photo of Ragasa's approach 

All schools and offices will remain closed for the day, and there will be limited public transportation, if at all.

It is the second time that the No 10 signal has been raised this year, with the first one being issued for Typhoon Wipha in July.

Reports say it is the first time in more than 60 years that two T10s have been issued in the city within a year. In 1964, the highest-level storm warning was raised for Typhoon Ruby and Typhoon Dot.

Forecasters say Ragasa is one of the strongest typhoons to have been recorded globally this year. But since it entered within 400 km of the city only late in the afternoon, the damage has been minimal so far.

As of 2am, the Hospital Authority said five people had sought treatment at public hospitals. These included a family of three who were rescued after falling into the sea off Chai Wan. 

Authorities received 15 reports of fallen trees and one report of a landslide.

ICC charges Duterte with 3 counts of crimes against humanity

Duterte at his first appearance at ICC in The Hague

Former Philippine President Rodrigo R. Duterte has been charged with crimes against humanity for the dozens of murders that allegedly took place as part of his so-called war on drugs, launched between 2016 and 2018; and earlier killings while he was mayor of Davao City.

The 80-year-old who is detained at the ICC jail at The Hague, faces three charges: the first over his alleged involvement in the killings of 19 people between 2013 and 2016, while he was mayor of Davao City; the second involves 14 victims of targeted killings from 2016 to 2017; and the third, for the 43 people who died during so-called clearance operations between 2016 and 2018.

The ICC's charge sheet, which includes several redactions, dates from July but was only made public on Monday.

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Duterte is the first Asian head of state to be indicted by the ICC. He was flown in March to the The Hague in the Netherlands where the court is based, and has been detained there since.

Recently, his lawyers asked that Duterte not be indicted, citing his supposed poor mental state.

ICC deputy prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang said Duterte was an "indirect co-perpetrator" in the killings, which were allegedly carried out by others, including police, on his orders.

Prosecutors alleged how Duterte and his co-perpetrators "shared a common plan or agreement to 'neutralise' alleged criminals in the Philippines (including those perceived or alleged to be associated with drug use, sale or production) through violent crimes including murder".

The former leader who was called “The Punisher” during his term, has offered no apologies for the brutal “tokhang” killings of supposed drug addicts and pushers. Official figures put the number of victims to more than 6,000 but human rights activists say it could actually run in the tens of thousands.

Duterte said his anti-drugs crackdown was necessary to rid the country of street crimes, but critics saw it as his way of instilling fear and solidifying support for him and his allies.

Despite his detention, Duterte was again elected mayor of  Davao City in 2022. His youngest son, Sebastian Duterte has served as mayor in his stead.

 

T8 up; T9 or T10 likely within hours

Office workers rush to return home after T8 was raised after lunch time

People in Hong Kong are on extreme alert as Typhoon Signal No 8 was raised at 2:20pm today with the approach of Super Typhoon Ragasa (Filipino word for rapid flow), which many experts say is stronger than Super Typhoon Mangkhut which devastated Hong Kong in 2018.

The fear is heightened by the Hong Kong Observatory’s announcement that it will consider raising the alert level to T9 or even T10 between 11pm tonight and 3am tomorrow.

According to the latest forecast, Ragasa which packs winds of up to 265 km per hour, will come closest to Hong Kong tomorrow morning, bringing with it stronger winds.

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Weather conditions are expected to rapidly worsen overnight, with winds escalating swiftly. There will be frequent squally showers, thunderstorms and gale to storm force winds, potentially reaching hurricane level offshore and on elevated terrain.

There will be massive swells at sea starting at 6am tomorrow, peaking later in the morning to early afternoon. The water surge is expected to reach between 3.5 to 4 meters above normal levels.

The public is urged to stay away from shorelines and avoid any water activities.

All classes have been suspended today and tomorrow, but office workers were allowed to get off work after lunch today. The MTR increased its services as the Observatory hoisted the T8 signal.

Residents have been clearing grocery shelves and market stalls to stockpile on food in preparation for Ragasa’s onslaught.

The frantic food-buying has reached panic proportions in some households (Facebook photo)

As what happens when a typhoon, especially as strong as Ragasa, is forecast to hit Hong Kong, most buildings with exposed glass windows or walls have been taped up in anticipation of the strong winds.

Cars parked in open spaces have also been covered with tapes and other coverings to prevent being hit by flying debris.

Even cars have been taped up to protect them from flying debris (Facebook photo by Merz Permales)

The MTR said it expects to continue operating during signal 8, but would likely stop trains from running if higher warning signals are raised.

So far, a total of 382 flights were canceled today, with another 43 delayed, according to the Airport Authority.

If the storm intensifies, airport authorities say they could stop all flights in and out of Hong Kong by tomorrow.

 

 

HK to close schools for 2 days as Super Typhoon Ragasa nears

 

Pagasa chart tracks Ragasa's progress

Hong Kong today laid down its defenses against Super Typhoon Ragasa, with the government adopting emergency measures such as closing all schools for two days to avoid casualties and minimize damage, while many people bought up food and groceries, leaving display shelves bare at some stores,

Ragasa’s strongest winds are expected at 4am on Sept. 24 (Wednesday), when it will be less than 200 kilometers south of Hong Kong, with maximum sustained winds of 215 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 295 km/h, and moving west worthwest at 25 km/h towards northern Vietnam.

Ragasa (known as Nando in the Philippines) made landfall early Monday in Calayan, Cagayan in the northern Philippines, and continued to pick up strength as it headed towards Babuyan islands in the northernmost tip of the province, where a rare typhoon signal no 5 has been raised.

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With its approach, the Hong Kong Observatory hoisted the Standby Typhoon Signal No. 1 at 12.20pm today across the city, after earlier warning that thesuper typhoon could be as destructive as Typhoon Hato in 2017 and Typhoon Mangkhut in 2018, which caused massive flooding and extensive damage..

The Observatory said it expects to raise the warning to Strong Wind Signal No. 3 at 9pm tonight, and to the Gale or Storm Signal No. 8 between 1pm and 4pm tomorrow.

“The weather will be persistently adverse on Wednesday (24 September). Gale to storm force winds will prevail locally, and winds may reach hurricane force offshore and on high ground. There will be frequent heavy squally showers and thunderstorms. Seas will be very high with swells. Members of the public are advised to stay away from the shoreline and not engage in water sports,” it added.

Flights in and out of Chek Lap Kok will be reduced drastically to a "small number of flights" for 36 hours starting tomorrow at 6pm, the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) said.

The Authority advised travelers to contact their airlines directly to confirm their flight status and seating before heading to the airport. Cathay Pacific is expected to cancel more than 500 flights from 6pm tomorrow, while Hong Kong Airlines has canceled all flights scheduled between 6pm tomorrow and 6pm Thursday.

The preparations began yesterday  with Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki meeting with the steering committee on handling extreme weather to coordinate efforts to address possible threats posed by Ragasa.

Among those that exoressed readiness were the Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre (EMSC) under the Security Bureau which will conduct real-time citywide monitoring, assess risks and formulate response plans and measures.

Various emergency response teams, including the Fire Services Department, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Civil Aid Service and the Auxiliary Medical Service have completed preparatory work, with sufficient manpower deployed.

The Development Bureau (DEVB) has stepped up measures to co-ordinate preparedness to deal with flooding, landslides and fallen trees, and ensure safety of building structures.

 

HK braces for Super Typhoon Ragasa

 

Ragasa is forecast to cause storm surges to the same level
as Super Typhoon Mangkhut in 2018 (File)

Hong Kong residents have begun doing what it deems best in the face of an approaching typhoon: stockpiling on food and other supplies.

With Super Typhoon Ragasa (Filipino word for surge) expected to enter Hong Kong by Tuesday or Wednesday, locals who live in flood-prone areas like Heng Fa Chuen have been reported as accumulating supplies.

Many residents have also been busy sticking adhesive tape to large windows that some stores have reported running out of this must-have item during a storm. Plastic flood barriers have also been placed in front of some buildings to keep the water away.

Basahin ang detalye!

The Hong Kong Observatory has warned that Ragasa could intensify even more as it leaves the northern Philippines and slams into Hong Kong.

"Under the influence of significant storm surge, the sea level over coastal areas by then may be similar to that of Hato in 2017 and Mangkhut in 2018," the Observatory warned.

The forecaster said Ragasa would bring heavy rain and thunderstorms gradually on Tuesday, with gale to storm force winds prevailing on Wednesday.

Ragasa strengthened to Super Typhoon late on Sunday as it hovered over Luzon Strait, causing the government to suspend work and classes in several areas, including Metro Manila.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has warned of destructive winds, heavy rains, storm surges and dangerously rough seas as Ragasa (local name Nando) moves closer to extreme northern Luzon.

As of 4pm Sunday, the eye of Nando was spotted 450 kilometers east of Aparri, Cagayan, packing maximum sustained winds of 185 km per hour near the center and gusts of up to 230 kph.

It was expected to move west-northwest, before turning west toward the extreme northern part of Luzon today.

On this track, it may pass close to or make landfall over Batanes or the Babuyan Islands in Cagayan by this afternoon or evening.

It will exit the Philippines on its way to the coast of Guangdong by tomorrow morning.

 

Riots follow 2 peaceful anti-corruption rallies in Manila

 

Traffic at a standstill on Edsa as thousands gather for the anti-corruption protest

Unidentified rioters clashed with police near Malacañang Palace Sunday, casting a shadow on two massive anti-corruption rallies held separately in Manila and Quezon City earlier.

Police said 17 rioters were arrested, while 40 police officers were injured in the scuffles near the Mendiola Peace Arch and Ayala Bridge, which had both been barricaded ahead of the protests.

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Black-clad and masked rioters clashed with police and torched a container truck parked on Ayala Bridge and a police motorcycle parked close by. They also hurled stones, bottles, paint, human feces at the officers, who were under strict orders to exercise maximum tolerance.

The protests continued until late at night, with a hotel on nearby Recto Avenue being looted, ransacked and trashed by the rioters, according to eyewitnesses.

The torched container truck on Ayala Bridge

Earlier, tens of thousands of people took part in both the “Trillion Peso March” in front of People Power Monument on Edsa (Epifanio delos Santos Avenue) in Quezon City and the “Baha sa Luneta” gathering at Luneta Park in Manila.

The protests were held on the 53^rd anniversary of Martial Law declared by the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, Sr., and organizers said it was fitting that the abuses of that regime could be linked to the present-day corruption.

The indignation rallies were held in the wake of reports and disclosures that billions, if not trillions, of pesos meant for flood control projects had been siphoned by contractors in collusion with government officials and lawmakers starting in 2016, when jailed former President Rodrigo Duterte, took power.

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Protesters are calling for punishment for all those involved in the plunder, whatever their political affiliation, and for the stolen money returned to the people.

The growing scandal has already led to big political fallouts, including the resignation of House Speaker Martin Romualdez, a cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr, and the replacement of Senate President Francis Escudero.

Many of those demanding retribution say President Marcos himself should be held accountable, as the pillage of the past three years had happened under his watch.

The protest actions started early, with various groups converging on both venues as early as 6am.

The gathering at the Edsa Shrine started with a religious service in the morning and a program in the afternoon. It was attended by many unaffiliated individuals who joined youth organizations, labor unions and civil society groups in expressing anger at the country’s biggest corruption in decades.

Among those seen marching to the venue were movie stars Anne Curtis, Maris Racal, Vice Ganda, Donny Pangilinan and  movie queen Catriona Gray.

Aerial shot of the equally peaceful protest at Luneta Park

Over at Luneta, the program started at 9am and was led largely by student groups and progressive organizations.

Among those called to speak was Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila de Lima, a former senator who was jailed at the instigation of President Duterte, and was cleared of all charges only after he ended his term in 2022.

As planned, some of the Luneta protesters led by Bagong Alyansa Makabayan (Bayan), marched towards Malacanang, but were stopped by police on Mendiola Bridge.

As they were closing the program and declaring the protest a success, the rioters struck. Bayan president Renato Reyes was hit in the face in the rock and was rushed to the hospital for treatment.

Reyes wrote on Facebook: “The people 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. 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.”

Standoff in Mendiola between police and protesters

Later, Bayan said in a separate post that 12 of its members were arrested after being caught in the crossfire. They called for the activists’ release while denouncing what it called as the police’s “violent response” to the mayhem.