Protesters vow to push through with occupy Mendiola protests despite being violently dispersed
“Mendiola is not only a street. That is why Chino Roces’s monument
was built here because it is a symbol of the people’s struggle.” –
Vencer Crisostomo, Anakbayan
By ANNE MARXZE D. UMIL
Bulatlat.com
MANILA – Youth, students, government employees and other sectors were
violently prevented from setting foot on Chino Roces Bridge (former
Mendiola Bridge) in what was planned to be Day One of Occupy Mendiola on
Dec. 6, Tuesday. Different groups that support the camp-out condemned
the violent dispersal.
(Photo Anne Marxze D. Umil / Bulatlat.com)
“Why are you blocking us? We will just have our campout in Mendiola,” Vencer Crisostomo, national chairman of Anakbayan told the police.
The Mendiola campout was supposedly inspired by the Arab Spring upheavals, strikes in Europe and the Occupy Movements in the US. The protesters lead by youth groups were supposed to stay at historic Mendiola Bridge up to International Human Rights Day on Dec. 10.
“It is time to send a message to those in power: We will no longer put up with lies, corruption, abuse, exploitation and injustice. Something has to be done. Let us stand up and make the statement that we want genuine change.” read the statement posted at the Camp Out website.
(Photo Anne Marxze D. Umil / Bulatlat.com)
“Police should be arresting thieves. And the thief is in St. Lukes Hospital. You should be there arresting Arroyo and put her to jail and not here suppressing us,” Rommel Aguilar, PUP student regent, said.
The groups still held their program at Recto avenue. They were given up to 5:30 p.m. by the police. But the groups did not abide. “They (police) are giving us until 5:30. Do we agree to that?” Crisostomo asked the protesters, who replied with a resounding no. The police tried to intimidate the protesters by preparing the water cannon and firing up the engine of the fire truck but it did not stop the protesters from continuing with their program.
“Mendiola is not only a street. That is why Chino Roces’s monument was built here because it is a symbol of the people’s struggle,” Crisostomo said addressing the police.
He added, “Today we are not only fighting for a higher budget on education, social services, health, for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and housing. We are here today to initiate change! Down with the rotten system!” Crisostomo shouted..... MORE
Source: Bulatlat.com
URL: http://bulatlat.com/main/2011/12/07/protesters-vow-to-push-through-with-occupy-mendiola-protests-despite-being-violently-dispersed/