ILOILO City — The much-anticipated second wave of anti-corruption protests in Iloilo City on November 30drew a far smaller crowd than organizers hoped for, even as police emphasized that the demonstrations remained peaceful and orderly throughout.
Based on monitoring by the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO), only around 1,300 to 1,800 participants joined the activities that converged at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol — figures that fell significantly short of the organizers’ earlier aspirations of attracting up to 20,000 supporters to amplify calls for accountability and transparency in government.
Despite the lower turnout, authorities stressed that the protesters were able to air their sentiments freely and without disruption.
“Our Trillion March rally in Iloilo City is peaceful and orderly. ICPO personnel ensure that Ilonggos can fully exercise their freedom of expression,” said Poloce Major Shella Mae Sangrines, ICPO spokesperson.
She added that police were instructed to maintain restraint throughout the program.
“The police strictly observe respect for human rights and maximum tolerance of the situation,” she emphasized.
ICPO estimates showed that about 1,500 marchers came from Jaro Plaza toward the Capitol, while another 300 participants joined from the University of the Philippines Visayas area.
Earlier, ICPO director Police Colonel Kim Legada noted that the demonstration — though smaller — proceeded smoothly from start to finish. Musical performances, including a rendition of “Kapayapaan,” were part of the afternoon activities.
Police said they will continue coordinating with organizers to maintain public safety and ensure that future demonstrations remain peaceful and orderly./PN
