DAVAO CITY, Philippines — A rally of the Hakbang ng Maisug in Bustos, Bulacan yesterday was canceled due to alleged pressure from the government.
The fourth Maisug prayer rally was organized by supporters of former president Rodrigo Duterte to protest against ongoing moves to amend the Constitution.
Rally supporter Vic Rodriguez said Duterte decided to cancel the event to prevent chaos and people from getting hurt.
The counsel of the owner of the property, where the event was supposed to be held, allegedly threatened to sue the organizers for illegal entry even as a contract had been signed between the parties for the use of the venue.
Police cordoned off the property and a dump truck was placed at the entrance to prevent people from entering.
Rodriguez said this kind of pressure would not stop them from continuing to protect and defend the Constitution.
A day before the planned rally, Duterte posted a video message on social media inviting people to join them.
“If you are brave, for the country, defend the flag, the Constitution, and attend the peace rally to show your anger,” Duterte said in the post.
He warned that a case would be filed against an official, whom he did not identify, for barricading the venue.