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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Gibo dares CHR: Take the place of cops, face violent protesters

Gibo dares CHR: Take the place of cops, face violent protesters

Published Sep 23, 2025 01:55 pm
Riot police officers stand shoulder to shoulder behind their shields to form a defensive wall during an anti-corruption protest at Ayala Bridge in Manila on Sept. 21, 2025. (John Louie Abrina / MANILA BULLETIN)
Riot police officers stand shoulder to shoulder behind their shields to form a defensive wall during an anti-corruption protest at Ayala Bridge in Manila on Sept. 21, 2025. (John Louie Abrina / MANILA BULLETIN)
The Philippine National Police (PNP) found an ally in Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., who challenged the Commission on Human Rights (CHR)  on Tuesday, Sept. 23, to take the place of civil disturbance management (CDM) personnel during protests so they could experience what it’s like to face violent demonstrators. 
The dare came after the CHR announced it would launch an impartial inquiry into reports that police may have committed human rights violations in dispersing rallyists during the chaotic Mendiola protests last September 21.
“CHR please take the place of the CDM units and you yourselves face violent protesters rather than waste people's money or time!” Teodoro said.
The CHR said it would investigate allegations of excessive force and harassment of media covering the protests.
It said monitoring teams were deployed to protest sites and detention centers, and stressed that human rights standards must always guide the actions of state actors.
Teodoro earlier commended the Philippine National Police (PNP) for exercising maximum tolerance during the violent protests.
The Mendiola protest, part of a series of nationwide demonstrations against corruption in infrastructure projects, left 96 cops injured and 216 protesters arrested after scuffles broke out between the two parties.
Authorities said they exercised maximum tolerance but were forced to act when demonstrators attempted to breach police lines, set several vehicles on fire, threw Molotov cocktails and stones, and ransacked a motel.
Teodoro criticized militant groups that accused the police of using excessive force against young protesters.
He said the “hooliganism” of young protesters could be considered a national security issue.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said cases will be filed against those responsible for instigating violence during the demonstrations, including possible charges of inciting to sedition.

Related Tags

DND Gilberto Teodoro Jr. protest Mendiola Ayala Bridge infrastructure project flood control corruption PNP CHR
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