Presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo has assured that a repeat of the Mendiola Massacre in 1987 won’t happen under the administration of President Duterte.
“That will not happen in this government. As you can see this government has allowed, encouraged protests, demonstrations on the streets if they want to express their grievance to government,” Panelo said.
The Mendiola Massacre took place on Mendiola St., San Miguel, Manila, on January 22, 1987. State security forces violently dispersed a farmers’ march to Malacañang in protest of the lack of government action on land reform.
At least 13 protesters died and almost 100 were injured when security forces opened fire during the march.
According to Panelo, the issue is being taken cared of by the present administration. He also assured that the rights of the citizens to air their grievances against the government will be respected.
“In respect with the Mendiola Massacre, the lesson we should learn is that you cannot stop citizens from protesting. It’s a guaranteed right under the Constitution,” Panelo said.
“The government cannot abuse its right to enforce the law, in violation of that law, using it to maim, kill, or injure protesters.”
Since he took office, Duterte has allowed protesters to hold rallies across the country. (Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos)