Anakbayan Taguig and other groups extended their condolences to the family and friends of 15-year-old Mark Chustin Serbo, who was stabbed and killed during a protest and confrontation on September 21 in Mendiola. From Taguig City, Serbo joined the action against corruption in Luneta, Manila.

A 52-year-old civilian stabbed Serbo in his attempt to stop the the latter from smashing objects at the intersection of C.M. Recto Avenue and Quezon Boulevard. Serbo vented his anger at corruption through his actions, together with other youth who accompanied him that day. The man who stabbed Serbo surrendered on September 24 and was detained by the police.

Serbo joined the massive action of hundreds of thousands of Filipinos because, like many others, he had grown tired of the corruption, exploitation, and abuses by those in power. “That is why he chose what he saw as a way to fight against this rotten and oppressive system that burdens the broad masses of poor Filipinos,” Aksyon Taguig Against Korapsyon (ATAK) said.

According to Karapatan-National Capital Region, “his awakening and resolve will never be wasted. His voice will become the cry of many more youth who will continue to fight for rights, justice, and freedom.” Progressive groups visited Serbo’s wake and offered several songs.

They joined the call for justice for Serbo’s death, as well as for other victims of police violence against protesters. The police responded violently during the confrontation and clash, firing guns, throwing teargas, and arresting more than 216 individuals including over 90 minors.

“Led by the youth who have kept silent about their suffering for years under the crisis of the semicolonial and semifeudal social system, the poor masses’ outburst of anger is only justified,” Anakbayan Taguig said.

On September 27, Anakbayan Taguig lit candles in a protest held in the city to call for justice.