Several student groups under the Youth Rage Against Corruption Alliance marched on Monday, Nov. 17, to call for an end to corruption and to demand the resignation of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte.
Youth leaders negotiate with police officers, allowing the protest to proceed peacefully for 45 minutes (Photo from Philippine Collegian/Facebook Page)
The students began their march at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) and reached the University of the East (UE), where police set up a barricade that prevented them from proceeding to Mendiola.
Protest leaders held discussions with police officers, after which both sides agreed to allow a 45-minute peaceful program at the site.
Students insisted that their demonstration is protected under the 1987 Constitution, which guarantees the right to peaceful assembly.
Meanwhile, police presence remained tight around Mendiola and nearby areas leading to Malacañang after Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla declared the zone a “no man’s land.”
Police personnel stood behind barbed wire and traffic barricades along Recto Avenue.
A larger student walkout is planned for Friday, leading to a mass protest on Bonifacio Day, Nov. 30.