#MillionMaskMarch: Police ‘invite’ masked protestors for questions

MANILA, Philippines – Three alleged members of the infamous hacking collective Anonymous Philippines, along with two adult-supporters, were questioned by the police on Tuesday, November 5, over the #MillionMaskMarch protest that took place in front of Batasan Pambansa, in Quezon City. 

The three, all wearing Guy Fawkes masks, were held for less than an hour at the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Batasan Hills station. They were earlier invited by the police to supposedly broker a negotiation between the protestors and the police authorities due to the lack of a rallying permit. 

The #MillionMaskMarch is a series of simultaneous protests all over the world launched by global activist network Anonymous. The Philippine protest – the first this year – gathered over 50 masked members and supporters of the hacking group. 

The movement is against corruption in the legislature and the misuse of billions of dollars of development funds by politicians.

Unfair treatment

William Dagan, a 55-year old supporter of the group, said the police should not have held the protestors for questioning. Dagan went to the station to assist the rallyists, saying he was a veteran of mass demonstrations.

“Nakikita ko lang hindi sanay sa rally itong mga batang ito. Meron lang silang ipinaglalaban, pero hindi sila mga batang kalye at sanay sa rally. Hindi sila dapat trinatrato ng ganito,” he told members of the press. 

(I just see that these kids are not used to rallies. They have a cause they’re fighting for, but they are not used to the streets or to rallying. They shouldn’t be treated like this.)

WATCH: Video of interview with William Dagan

None of the 5 protesters questioned were minors. Two of them remained unidentified. The youngest was a 27-year old male. 

Questioned to know identities

Col. Eleazar Matta, QCPD station 6 chief, said the police did not detain the 5 protesters but wanted to talk to them and know their identities.

“Hindi (sila) hinuli, under investigation… Kasi nga di ba may nangyaring hacking,” said Matta. (They were not detained, they are under investigation because of a hacking incident.)

Matta eventually allowed the protesters to march to the gate of the House of Representatives without a rally permit. He added that protests in Batasan Hills, Quezon City can only be allowed in the Freedom Park or in front of the police station.

WATCH: Video of interview with Col. Matta below

Not the hackers

On Sunday, November 3, Anonymous Philippines defaced the website of the Office of the Ombudsman and over 35 other websites.

Matta said the 5 protesters questioned did not admit to hacking the websites.

“Hindi nila inaamin na sila yung naghack, pero miyembro sila.” said Matta. (They do not admit to hacking [government websites], but they are members [of the group.])

Protesters out in the street, however, told members of the press that their group hacked the websites.

Philippine #MillionMaskMarch

Philippine protesters denounced corruption and pledged more cyber attacks. 

The protestors faced off with dozens of riot police, blocking the road and bringing traffic to a standstill for a little over an hour.

“Kung aarestuhin man kami, ie-express pa rin namin yung freedom namin… Para ma-prove yung pinaglalaban namin,” said a protester who identified himself as NakedZnake. He claimed to be a member of Anonymous Philippines.

(If we will be arrested, we will still express our freedom… Just to prove what we’re fighting for.)

According to NakedZnake, all members were made aware of the series of cyber attacks on government websites.

“We are here today to press for a new system of government,” said one of the leaders who also did not give his name. “We are everyone and anyone. We will not go away and we will continue with our activities.”

Mostly dressed in black, the hackers chanted anti-government slogans and held placards that read: “The corrupt fear us, the honest support us, the heroic, join us.” – with reports from Agence France-Presse/Rappler.com