Activists storm Discaya compound, hit DPWH

National

MUD, spray paint, and rotten vegetables marked simultaneous protests on Thursday, September 4, as activists stormed the Pasig compound of the Discaya family’s construction firm and rallied at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) headquarters in Manila over alleged flood-control anomalies.

At the Pasig property of St. Gerrard Construction, owned by contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya, demonstrators hurled mud at the gate and spray-painted the words “magnanakaw,” “kurakot,” and “ikulong” on the walls and fence.

Jonila Castro, spokesperson for environmental group Kalikasan, said they targeted the firm to symbolize public anger over corruption, stressing that while communities endure floods, contractors benefit from questionable projects.

Pasig police chief Col. Hendrix Mangaldan confirmed the protest had no permit and said participants may face charges for vandalism and malicious mischief. He noted that while maximum tolerance is observed at rallies, property destruction cannot be condoned.

The Discayas’ lawyer, Cornelio Samaniego III, said the couple would file a criminal complaint. He questioned why his clients are repeatedly singled out despite complying with hearings and legal processes, insisting the dispute should be resolved through documents, not violent actions.

Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto, in a Facebook post, appealed for calm. “I understand the anger and frustration, but let’s not resort to violence. If the gate falls or stones fly, it won’t be the corrupt who will get hurt, but guards, workers and even the protesters themselves,” he said, as quoted by Philstar.

He added that the city is coordinating with national agencies on investigations into the Discaya companies while pursuing separate cases on tax delinquencies and illegal structures.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla also discouraged such demonstrations, saying they risk creating unnecessary hysteria at a time when stability is needed.

In Manila, Anakbayan members marched to the DPWH central office along Bonifacio Drive. Police reported that about 60 protesters staged a program denouncing alleged corruption in flood-control projects before dispersing past 10 a.m., at which point they hurled balloons filled with foul-smelling water and rotten vegetables at security forces guarding the compound.

Manila Police District officers blocked the objects with riot shields.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso warned that city authorities would not tolerate unrest, saying he had directed police to prevent mob rule and protect both government property and residents’ peace.(MyTVCebu)