Peaceful Trillion Peso March Held Across Negros Island Despite Heavy Rain

The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported that the Trillion Peso March held yesterday in the Negros Island Region proceeded peacefully, with no untoward incidents recorded despite challenging weather conditions.

Thousands of participants, including religious groups, civil society organizations, former government officials, and progressive sectors, marched in protest against corruption. The multi-sectoral organization One Negros Ecumenical Council led the event.

Clad mostly in white, protesters began their march from South Capitol Road and concluded at the Bacolod City Public Plaza. Police estimates put attendance at approximately 2,500 in Bacolod City, while Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental saw around 700 participants in a similar demonstration. However, Fr. Aniceto Buenafe of the One Negros Ecumenical Council estimated that about 5,000 individuals joined the Bacolod rally.

More than 1,100 police officers from the Police Regional Office – Negros Island Region were deployed at strategic sites across the region. Their mission was to safeguard public safety, maintain peace and order, and provide security for the various assemblies held across the area.

Additionally, the Bacolod City Police Office monitored a prayer rally in Barangay Villamonte, which drew roughly 250 people calling for the return of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the country. Police personnel were also stationed near the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bacolod City District Engineering Office in Barangay Taculing to ensure security.

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson praised the peaceful nature of the protests, emphasizing the power of calm and orderly mass actions as a catalyst for change. "More than a show of conviction, it is also a call for accountability, that those guilty of corruption be brought to justice," Lacson stated.

PNP spokesperson PLt. Col. Joem Malong confirmed ongoing coordination between police units, local government authorities, community stakeholders, and organizers to uphold constitutionally guaranteed rights to peaceful assembly while ensuring public order and security throughout the demonstrations.