MANILA — The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has filed complaints against 97 individuals, including alleged financiers and instigators, involved in the violent anti-corruption protests on Sept. 21 in Manila.

At a press briefing on Monday at Camp Crame, CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II said the charges—inciting to sedition, conspiracy and proposal to commit sedition, and sedition under the Revised Penal Code—were filed with the Department of Justice on Oct. 28.

“The investigation is continuing and in the next few days, we will be filing again cases against the instigators and supposed people behind the violent incident in Recto and in Mendiola,” Morico said.

Authorities have identified several individuals in circulating videos allegedly inciting violence, including calls to burn Malacañang Palace.

PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. assured the public that police are preparing for upcoming nationwide protests on Nov. 30. He cited that police deployment prevented protest groups from reaching restricted areas near Malacañang on Sept. 21.

“Alam natin the rallyists coming from the Luneta (Rizal Park) Grandstand, the group coming from Liwasang Bonifacio, en route to People Power Monument and the EDSA Shrine (in Quezon City), alam naman natin na dadaan ‘yun sa Malacañang. Kaya nga tayo nagharang, naglagay tayo ng mga barrier doon (We know the rallyists coming from the Luneta Grandstand, the group coming from Liwasang Bonifacio, en route going to People Power Monument and the EDSA Shrine, we know that they will pass by Malacañang. That’s why we blocked, we put up barriers there),” Nartatez said.

He said police focus on three main priorities: close monitoring of protest groups, reinforcement of security barriers and surveillance systems in coordination with local government units (LGUs), and additional deployment of security forces.

“We continuously monitor who are these personalities, lalo na ‘yung different groups na pwedeng maghasik ng hindi maganda (especially different groups that will do bad things). That’s why we filed cases,” Nartatez said.

“We’re improving our security, putting up barriers, coordinating with LGUs to install more CCTV. We’re also working closely with the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines), Coast Guard and other force multipliers to secure the area.” (PNA)