The Philippine National Police (PNP) has filed a string of criminal cases that include sedition against at least 97 people allegedly participated and involved in the violent clash that erupted during the Sept. 21 protest action in Mendiola that left almost a hundred policemen injured.

Police Col. Noel Ponollera, deputy director for Administration of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), said they already referred the cases of violations of Article 142 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC), inciting to sedition; Article 136, or the conspiracy and proposal to commit sedition; and of Article 139, sedition. 

He said the cases were referred to the Department of Justice last week.

“The investigation is continuing and in the next few days we will be filing again cases against the instigators and supposed people who are behind the violent incident in Recto and in Mendiola,” said Ponollera in a press briefing at Camp Crame on Monday, Nov 3.

The official did not disclose the names of those who were slapped with the criminal charges but said those charged also include those who did not directly participate in the violent clashes.

The CIDG earlier issued several summons to various individuals in relation to the Sept. 21 clashes which erupted, when a group of protesters suddenly tried to storm Malacañang.

During that time, there were huge protest actions at the Luneta in Manila and the People Power Monument following the expose about the multi-billion peso worth of corruption on flood control projects allegedly involving lawmakers and officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Both the protest action were peaceful but in the afternoon, a group of young protesters, including minors, arrived near the Ayala Bridge and initiated the clashes with cops. The same incident happened at the Mendiola later.

Authorities suspect that some groups and individuals orchestrated the riot in a bid to unseat President Marcos.

Those charged, according to the CIDG, are those who funded the violent protest. 

“The instigators, including those who funded (it) and those who are behind the planning ongoing,” said Ponollera when asked to elaborate on those who were slapped with the cases.

He assured that all those who are involved will be charged, “Some were already charged, some will still be filed against others involved. The investigation is ongoing because we want an airtight case.”

Ponollera said those who publicly called for the burning of Malacañang were included.

“They are personalities. I cannot define but we have people on the ground. We have identified them,” said Ponollera when asked to provide clues on who were charged in connection with the September 21 riot.