Cagayan de Oro City, September 21, 2025 – On the same day that citizens in Manila filled the streets for the Trillion Peso March, Kagay-anons also took a stand.
Marking the 53rd anniversary of Martial Law, a dark chapter in Philippine history, the people of
Northern Mindanao once again raised their voices against corruption—a disease that continues to haunt our democracy more than half a century later.
The Bridge Advocates for Reliable and Onward-Looking Governance (BAROG) Northern Mindanao Volunteers joined hands with various civic groups and launched the Kagayanon Kontra Korapsyon Multi-Sectoral Coalition.
Their rallying cry is clear: corruption robs every Filipino of dignity, opportunity, and progress.
Taxes that should build schools, hospitals and livelihood programs are instead siphoned off by a corrupt few, perpetuating poverty and distrust.
At exactly 8:00 AM on September 21, BAROG members gathered under the leadership
of Engr. H. Anthony Requerme, their convenor.
With determined hearts, they pledged that Northern Mindanao will not remain silent while public funds continue to be plundered.
The movement also highlighted the strength of communities often left at the margins.
Engr. Lalyn Galaura, representing the Women’s Group of the 1st District of Misamis Oriental, spoke of the double burden women face when corruption deprives families of
essential services.
Alongside her were Mr. Christopher A. Domingo, Vice President of I MATTER (Parents with PWD & Allies) and other advocates, their presence spoke
volumes about their quest to be represented and heard.
September 21 is a date heavy with memory. It reminds us of a time when rights were trampled, voices silenced,and lives lost.
Today, it calls on citizens to ensure history does
not repeat itself—not through the return of authoritarian rule nor through the entrenchment of corruption that corrodes freedom from within.
Kagayanon Kontra Korapsyon stands in solidarity with the thousands who marched in Manila, echoing the same demand: Ibalik ang ninakaw. Let restitution be made. Let governance be clean, just, and people-centered.
The coalition has vowed to continue its advocacy in the months ahead, building stronger alliances across Northern Mindanao, and ensuring that the people’s voices will never again be drowned out by greed and corruption.
