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DENR denies 'pesticide gas' claim, says viral protest video showed routine defogging

Philippines | National

DENR denies 'pesticide gas' claim, says viral protest video showed routine defogging

By Jel Santos

(SCREENSHOT FROM THE WHEEL’S FACEBOOK VIDEO)

(SCREENSHOT FROM THE WHEEL’S FACEBOOK VIDEO)

The mist seen in a now-viral video during a demonstration in front of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Central Office in Quezon City came from the agency’s regular weekly disinfectant defogging activity and not from “pesticide gas” directed at protesters, the DENR clarified on Sunday, July 26.

Earlier, online claims alleged that the DENR had deployed “pesticide gas” during the rally, accompanied by a video showing what appeared to be a mist outside the agency’s central office.

“We assure the public that the mist seen in the video was from routine defogging on Sundays. It is disinfectant mist, compliant with workplace hygiene standards. It is not used for crowd control,” the agency said in a statement.

The environment department noted that it respects the right of every Filipino to peaceful assembly.

Although the mist may have been visible from outside the building, the DENR stressed that it was not directed at the rally participants.

“While the mist may have been visible from outside the building, no chemical agents were directed toward rally participants,” it stated.

Citing the official spot report of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD), the DENR likewise said the protest concluded without any untoward incident.

“According to the official spot report of the Quezon City Police District, the protest rally held along Visayas Avenue ended peacefully with no untoward incidents,” it said.

Related Tags

Department of Environment and Natural Resources DENR DENR pesticide gas claim DENR defogging video Quezon City protest Visayas Avenue rally DENR central office

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