Rockwell Center issues statement after Robredo vs. Marcos supporters mall face-off
Supporters of presidential candidates Leni Robredo and Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. locked horns inside a high-end Makati mall on April 28, shouting down each other with their campaign chants, with the mall operator saying they will continue to prioritize the safety and security of their customers after the incident.
Social media videos show a group of supporters of presidential candidates Leni Robredo and Ferdinand Marcos Jr. crossing each other's path inside the Power Plant Mall in Rockwell Center, Makati.
Rockwell security guards can be seen trying to deescalate the situation as the chants grew louder.
People on the scene shared on social media their experiences of the confrontation.
Twitter user @mar712 shared that Marcos supporters initially had to move to different floors as Robredo supporters filled the lower ground floor of the mall.
Pinks now occupying the LGF of Rockwell, reds were at Cafe Mediterranean but left to go up because they are super outnumbered, all restos now in PINK. #RockwellisPink 🌷🌷🌷💖💖💖 #LeniKiko2022 pic.twitter.com/SAjsKlKPgr
— Martin (@mart712in) April 28, 2022
User @forgwenandblake shared a video of the Marcos crowd weaving into the mall. "Leni" and "BBM" cries can be heard overpowering one another as security personnel try to quiet them down.
Protect Leni Bear of Rockwell! 🌸🌸🌈#LeniKiko2022 #LeniLiwanagSaDilim pic.twitter.com/mpwhPhEfzu
— Kate🇵🇭💓GXveBS (@forgwenandblake) April 28, 2022
Megastar Sharon Cuneta also shared a video of the pink crowd, saying she wanted to go shopping because of her fellow Robredo supporters.
Meanwhile, other netizens took the opportunity to crack jokes and make memes about the situation, dubbing it a "civil war," "battle," and "kalat", among others.
Rockwell Civil War 💗❤️ pic.twitter.com/PA9wrlJ2lI
— AJ Piquero (@piqueroberos) April 28, 2022
ganap sa rockwell today: https://t.co/k5qrIUgY9T
— ac (@acshfan) April 28, 2022
Ang kalat ng Rockwell.
— Rammy #LeniKikoSunbaenim (@theramzoned) April 28, 2022
In a text message to PhilSTAR L!fe, Rockwell Center assured its patrons that it will continue to make the mall a safe space.
"Several individuals earlier today at Power Plant Mall showed support for their presidential candidates. Their intent has only come to our attention the past few days due to social media posts,” they said.
"While the company does not endorse a specific candidate, we encourage everyone to vote with great thought and responsibility."
“Just as we did earlier, our priority remains to be the comfort, security and safety of our customers, and we will continue to ensure this in our community.”