BACOLOD City — Over 2,500 people gathered in front of the Bacolod City Government Center replica at the Bacolod Public Plaza along Araneta Street on Sunday, September 21, for the “Trillion Peso March” protest against corruption.
The rally was largely attended by students from various colleges and universities across the city. Representatives from religious groups, human rights organizations, and the legal sector, including several lawyers, also joined the peaceful demonstration.
Colonel Joeresty Coronica, director of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), reported that as of 1:30 p.m., the estimated crowd numbered about 2,500, with no incidents of violence.
“The rally proceeded peacefully,” he said.
Police personnel, along with the Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department (BTTMD), were deployed to maintain peace and order and manage traffic. Certain routes along Araneta and Gatuslao Streets near the plaza were temporarily rerouted during the protest.
In a statement, the Diocese of Bacolod expressed support for the demonstrators, emphasizing integrity, transparency, and accountability in pursuit of a just society. Quoting Bishop Patricio Buzon’s pastoral letter: “Corruption betrays the covenant of justice that God desires for us all. It robs the poor of their dignity, denies workers their rightful share of the good life, and ultimately mocks the sacrifice and hard work of honest Filipino citizens.”
Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) conducted heightened security and public safety operations in line with the deployment plan for the Martial Law Anniversary. Uniformed personnel from Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, Siquijor, and Bacolod City were strategically positioned to ensure public safety. Security measures included fixed visibility points, mobile and foot patrols, traffic assistance, checkpoint operations, civil disturbance management units, rapid response teams, and drone surveillance.
Prior to the rally, Mayor Greg Gasataya convened a coordination meeting with key city departments at Bacolod City Plaza to ensure peace and order.
“We want to assure the public that, in terms of traffic management, the city will provide assistance. Let’s make sure our sentiments are aired in a peaceful manner,” he said.
The protesters assembled at the Capitol Lagoon before marching to the public plaza, making their voices heard in a peaceful yet impactful demonstration against corruption./PN
