Hundreds of protesters gathered in Oriental Mindoro and Occidental Mindoro provinces on Sunday to denounce corruption in government flood control projects, the first youth-led demonstration in the island in recent years coinciding with the 53rd anniversary of martial law.

The rally, dubbed “Mindoro Bahain ng Pagkakaisa”, was organized by Mindoro Kontra Korapsyon (MKK) and brought together several youth organizations including Mindoro Youth on Environment and Nation (MYEN), Mindoro Artists’ Initiative (MAI), and Kabataang Mindoreño para sa Progresibong Pagbabago (KMP).

Young Mindoreños voiced protests over flood control project scandals and ongoing environmental destruction including dredging and sand mining activities in Oriental and Occidental Mindoro.

The demonstration faced initial delays when PNP authorities questioned permit requirements, but proceeded after police and organizers agreed on “maximum tolerance” arrangements.

The rally began at 9:38 a.m. after a 38-minute delay involving negotiations between protest leaders and the Calapan City Public Safety Department.

“As Chief of Police, I recognize the right of our people to peaceful assembly and free expression,” said Police LtCol. Danilo U. Driz Jr., chief of the Calapan City Police Station, in a statement posted on the police Facebook page. “I assure everyone that your Calapan Police are always ready to provide security and maintain order.”

More than 30 police officers were deployed around Calapan City Plaza, including five SWAT members, along with a fire truck and police vehicles.

A drone was also used for monitoring purposes.

Despite the heavy security presence, police distributed water and biscuits to protesters and residents.

Police also handed out anti-terrorism flyers promoting Executive Order No. 70, though protesters did not receive copies.

Kim Lenard Gaya, MKK convenor and spokesperson, opened the program unleashing various social issues including land disputes affecting farmers in Barangay Guinobatan, severe flooding problems, questionable flood control projects, and environmental issues related to sand dredging operations.

“We don’t know where we’ll get money to survive day by day, while those sitting in government are getting rich off the people’s money,” Gaya said during his speech.

Representatives from participating organizations addressed environmental protection, cultural activism, and youth engagement in political processes.

A cultural performance by local hip-hop group CPR – Hiphop Calapan concluded the program with calls for social justice.

Ana from MYEN said: “Environmental issues are very hot in our province. Left and right we hear about dredging, sand mining, and various other projects that can damage our environment.”

The protest organizers indicated this would not be an isolated event.

“The movement doesn’t end here. We will grow in numbers,” one protester declared.

The demonstration followed a similar rally held the previous Friday by the same youth groups at the Provincial Capitol, protesting corruption and educational issues in what organizers called a “Black Friday Protest” on Sept. 19, 2025.

In a separate but related event in Occidental Mindoro, indigenous Mangyan communities also staged protests against corruption, tackling issues affecting their communities including land rights and access to basic services.

“Our experience in our sitio is that we are slowly being starved. It is our right to live freely and peacefully in our homeland. They are stripping us of our rights to our own land,” said Noli Tamisan of the Mangyan Repungpungan in Malatabako.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte declared September 21 as “National Day of Protest” in 2017, recognizing citizens’ rights to voice grievances against government shortcomings.

The date coincides with the anniversary of martial law declaration in 1972.

Photos: courtesy of DWCC Gazette and Mindoro Youth for Environment and Nation