Police arrest over 200 people in violent demonstrations in Manila
Metro Manila, Philippines - Police arrested 216 people, including 89 minors, for joining violent acts in Manila at the height of anti-corruption protests on Sept. 21, the anniversary of the declaration of martial law, the government said on Monday, Sept. 22.
In a Palace press briefing, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the list included 127 adults, 65 children in conflict with the law or those 15 to 17 years old, and 24 children “at risk” or 14 years and below.
The suspects are held at the Manila Police District, authorities said.
The DILG said 95 police personnel were injured.
Violent clashes erupted on Sunday at Mendiola in Manila, near Malacañan Palace, as well as on Claro M. Recto Ave.
Footage showed masked protesters hitting police barricades, throwing rocks and Molotov cocktails at security personnel, and even burning a trailer truck. Security forces used flash bangs and water cannons to disperse the demonstrators.
Unidentified people also ransacked a hotel establishment along Recto Ave.
Remulla said an arrested person told them that the protesters’ goal was to burn the Palace.
“It started online. They used the black peace motive to assault the Palace,” he said.
The interior chief said the government may file complaints for arson, grave physical injuries, and sedition against adults involved, adding that the probe is ongoing to determine possible groups behind the violent demonstration.
Casualties
Meanwhile, Remulla said there were no casualties from the riot - in contrast to the Health department’s report that one person was stabbed to death.
“During the altercation, wala kaming nakitang ganun. Kung may nasaksak man iyan, hindi nanggaling sa PNP iyan, kasi walang kutsilyo ang PNP,” he said, referring to the Philippine National Police.
[Translation: During the altercation, we didn't see anything like that. If someone was stabbed, it didn't come from the PNP because the PNP doesn't carry knives.]
Acting PNP chief Gen. Jose Menlencio Nartatez said no one died from gunshots.
The Sept. 21 rally called out corruption in flood control projects, coinciding with the anniversary of the martial law declaration of late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos, the president’s father and namesake.
