Former Ilocos Sur Governor Alleges Paid Provocateurs Behind Anti-Corruption Rally Disturbances

Former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis "Chavit" Singson has accused masked individuals who disrupted the anti-corruption rally on September 21 of being compensated by groups linked to former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and First Lady Liza Araneta. The allegation was made during an interview on At The Forefront aired via Bilyonaryo News Channel.

Singson stated that he provided food trucks for rally participants near the entrance of the upscale Corinthian Gardens in Quezon City. During the event, a group of masked men approached his food truck while loudly chanting "corrupt, corrupt, corrupt." After he confronted them, they removed their masks and apologized, admitting that they were hired to create disorder.

"Everyone who came to the rally ate at my food truck. A masked group was banging on the gate and shouting 'corrupt, corrupt, corrupt.' I asked them who they were and why they were acting this way," Singson recalled. "They took off their masks and said, 'Sorry, we were just paid.'"

When pressed about who compensated them, Singson said the group identified former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and the First Lady as their paymasters. However, Singson expressed doubt, suggesting there might be a third party orchestrating the incident.

The rally descended into chaos, with reports of rock-throwing and tire burning leading to 113 arrests and injuries to 93 police officers. Renato Reyes, president of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN), who was also hurt during the event, denied any involvement of his group in the violent acts.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla further revealed that many of the masked agitators were minors, adding complexity to the unrest.

The claims contribute to ongoing discussions regarding the forces behind the violence that marred the anti-corruption demonstration.