What began as a protest against corruption in government turned violent on Sunday, September 21, as groups of young participants clashed with security forces near Mendiola.
Witnesses said the rally was initially peaceful before some demonstrators began throwing rocks and forcing their way into nearby government facilities, sparking confrontations that left dozens injured. Police said minors aged 13 to 15 were among those taken into custody.
The Manila Police District reported that 113 individuals were arrested for throwing rocks, destroying property, and burning tires during the disturbance.
Mayor Isko Moreno said around 100 police officers were also hurt. “Meron pa ko isang nag-kritikal pero ano na siya, ligtas na,” he told reporters, noting that the estimated damage could reach millions of pesos.
Moreno also denied rumors of fatalities, clarifying that no deaths had been recorded. “‘Wag po kayo magpapaniwala. Kung maraming namatay eh di sana nakita na ng media,” he said.
“Ako feeling ko kasi yung mga nag po-post na sinusugod sila ng pulis, may namatay, ito ‘yung mga nanggulo eh. Natatakot ngayon.”
The mayor revealed that authorities are tracing possible links to two suspected financiers. “Inaalam namin kung kanino galing itong nagpondo, kasi nagkabayaran e,” he said.
Moreno added that one of the suspects is a former Filipino-Chinese politician in Manila, while the other is a practicing lawyer. Both are allegedly members of “Partido Politikal.”
“Malalaman din natin kung ano ang totoo but for the meantime dalawa yung pinagdududahan natin,” Moreno said.
He stressed that while minors involved are being processed for violations such as arson and damage to property, the city government’s focus is to identify those suspected of providing the funds and instructions.
Security forces remain on alert as authorities pursue leads on the alleged financiers and organizers of the riot.
