Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) deputy spokesperson Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, on Monday, Sept. 30, denied any involvement -- along with PDP-National Capital Region officer and former Manila City Administrator Bernie Ang -- in the violence that erupted during the Sept. 21 rally in Manila. He urged authorities to instead focus on individuals who posted bail and expressed support for the arrested suspects.

Speaking at the Balitaan News Forum organized by the Manila City Hall Reporters’ Association (MACHRA) at Century Seafood Restaurant in Malate, Topacio confirmed his presence at the rally, saying he had even informed police officers about a group of masked individuals armed with bats and carrying knapsacks who were walking behind their group.

He said the group he led, composed of students and employees, stopped to let the suspicious individuals pass.

“My own son was in the rally,” Topacio said. “Why would I foment violence? Gusto ko bang mabato ang anak ko sa ulo (Do you think I would want my own son to get hit in the head with a rock?)”

Topacio also dismissed attempts to link Bernie Ang to the unrest, calling him a non-violent individual with a long record of public service.

“Imposible na si Bernie Ang ay masangkot sa gulo. For 21 years, he served as Councilor of the third district of Manila and never got into any altercation. Even as City Administrator under Mayors Honey Lacuna and Isko Moreno, wala siyang naging kaaway (It’s impossible for Bernie Ang to be involved in any kind of trouble. He served as Councilor of Manila’s third district for 21 years and was never involved in any altercation. Even during his time as City Administrator under Mayors Honey Lacuna and Isko Moreno, he didn’t have any conflicts with anyone),” he said.

“Ano naman ang mapapala niya? Na-achieve niya na lahat. He is a successful businessman and is the longest-serving Councilor who served Manila in different capacities where he established a good name based on service record. Bakit niya dudungisan ang pangalan niya para lang sa isang gulo na wala namang patutunguhan (What would he even gain from it? He has already achieved everything. He is a successful businessman and the longest-serving Councilor who served Manila in various capacities, where he built a good name based on his track record in public service. Why would he tarnish his name over a pointless disturbance?” he added.

Topacio also pointed out that police authorities had earlier said that the violent group was influenced by leftist elements.

He noted that known personalities affiliated with progressive groups such as Gabriela, Kabataan, and Akbayan have openly supported the arrested protesters and called for their release.

“Sino ba ang may history ng panggugulo? Sino ang enablers? Sino ang ayaw mag-condemn ng violence na nangyari (Who really has a history of causing trouble? Who are the enablers? Who refuses to condemn the violence that happened),” he asked.

He warned that attempts to tie PDP members to the incident may be politically motivated, saying “Hindi na ’ko magtataka kung imbentuhan kami ng ebidensiya (I wouldn’t be surprised if they fabricate evidence against us).”

Topacio also clarified that two other individuals who were mentioned in connection with the incident, Atty. Vic Rodriguez and former Congressman Harry Angping are not even members of PDP.

“From what I heard, Ang and Angping do not even see each other eye to eye,” he said.

Topacio concluded by emphasizing the importance of an impartial investigation into the Sept. 21 incident and reiterated that PDP remains committed to peaceful democratic expression.