Peaceful Demands met with dispersal: What happened in Iloilo City
Activists are condemning the actions of police who dispersed a peaceful protest in Iloilo City just over a day before World Teachers’ Day. The demonstration gathered outside West Visayas State University (WVSU) to highlight concerns about teachers’ wages, the state of public education, and corruption in the education sector. The protesters argued that the government’s support for public education is crucial for the welfare of both educators and students.
Who spoke up and why
The demonstration was organized by several groups, including the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Panay, ACT Union Region VI, Kabataan party-list Panay, and Bayan Panay. In a statement, Bayan Panay characterized the police action as a direct attack on civil liberties, specifically the rights to freedom of expression, assembly, and to petition the government for redress of grievances.
Allegations of forceful dispersal
According to the protesters, Police Patrolman Felicito Dusaran Dolar III and another officer from the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) forcibly dispersed the march and attempted to seize the group’s megaphone. They claimed Dolar asserted he was acting under orders from unnamed higher-ups and from Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas, though Dolar later denied these claims. The activists described the dispersal as an intimidation tactic, warning that arrests would be made if the protesters did not obey the dispersal orders. Public display of such coercive measures has sparked questions about the proportionality and legality of police actions during demonstrations on university grounds.
Armed presence and intimidation concerns
Witnesses observed that police deployed to the small protest were heavily armed and wearing bulletproof vests. The presence of heavily armed officers at a supposedly peaceful gathering raised concerns about the crowd-control approach and whether it escalating tensions rather than protecting public safety.
Context: World Teachers’ Day and education issues
World Teachers’ Day, observed annually on October 5, shines a light on the vital role of teachers and the need for better working conditions, fair pay, and robust support for public education systems. The protesters linked their actions to ongoing debates over teacher wages, the quality of education, and the fight against corruption in the sector. While authorities emphasize order and safety, education advocates argue that constructive dialogue and lawful demonstrations are essential tools for accountability and reform.
What comes next: accountability, dialogue, and public trust
In the wake of the incident, activist groups are calling for accountability and an open review of the actions taken by law enforcement. They urge authorities to reaffirm the rights guaranteed by the Constitution and to engage with educators, students, and civil society organizations in meaningful discussions about funding, resources, and policy direction for public education. Advocates stress that peaceful protests should be met with respect for civil liberties, not punitive measures that may chill dissent and discourage civic participation.
Broader implications for protests in educational settings
The Iloilo City dispersal highlights a broader tension between maintaining public order and protecting democratic rights in the context of education advocacy. As teachers and students advocate for better conditions, how authorities respond to protests near academic institutions can set precedents for future demonstrations across the country. Clear guidelines on dispersal, proportional force, and lawful engagement would help reduce ambiguities and promote trust between protesters and local law enforcement.
Conclusion
As World Teachers’ Day approaches, educators and allied groups continue to press for improved wages and robust investment in public education. The incident in Iloilo City serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding the right to peaceful assembly while ensuring safety and order. The dialogue between civic activists and officials remains essential to address systemic concerns in education and to restore public confidence in the processes that govern demonstrations and governance alike.
