Their identities are concealed wearing masks purchased at a Halloween costume store.

While they’re not quite the shadowy freedom fighter from the movie “V for Vendetta” of a few years ago – as that of the masks they sported – this group of three was influenced by the Occupy Wall Street movement currently taking place in major cities.

They appeared Monday afternoon on the sidewalk in front of the Manteca Civic Center, 1001 W. Center St.

“We’re trying to raise awareness in Manteca,” said one of the protestors who chose to remain anonymous. “What’s happening (in the Occupy Wall Street demonstrations) affects us all.”

Take local businesses, for example. The leader of the group refers to himself simply as ‘Anonymous.’ Part of the reason, he says, is that all three have jobs.

“We also have busy schedules and things to do,” he added.

He noted that he was born and raised in Manteca but lived in San Diego, where he was initially influenced by the movement three years earlier. “I started to see holes in our social system,” said Anonymous.

He lamented that over the years the small and independent businesses in Manteca are yielding to the likes of Target or Walmart.

“Those are big corporations,” Anonymous said. “The money is going to the CEOs of those companies.”

The trio thought now would be the best time to conduct their demonstration in Manteca.

“I’m a person not a profit,” read one sign.

Another read: “Stop spreading the misery.”

Yet another message said, “Give me liberty or give me debt$.”

The demonstrators were thrilled as passing motorists tooted their horns as a possible show of support.

They arrived on the curbside of city hall at about 3 p.m., with plans of going several hours.

“Right, there’s only the three of us,” Anonymous said. “We’re hoping more people will join us.

“Who knows: Maybe the next time we’ll have 10 (demonstrators).”

The group was uncertain as to when to conduct the next demonstration.

Mayor Willie Weatherford said that while he can understand the frustrations of the protestors he felt their anger was misdirected.

“I think they’re misdirected,” Weatherford said. “They should be protesting (actions) of the federal government and not corporations,” he said.

The mayor added that many in the Occupy Wall Street movement seem to be anarchists and socialists given statements they have made.

City Manager Karen McLaughlin said there are no problems with the protestors who walked sidewalks along Center Street just a dozen or so yards from her office window. They were complying with laws that prevent them from blocking driveways or impeding movements on sidewalks. And unlike other Occupy movements, they did not pitch tents.

McLaughlin added that “no demands” were made of the city by the three protestors.

“Everyone in this country is entitled to protest,” McLaughlin added.