Violent clashes break out in Mendiola amid anti-corruption protests

At least 39 policemen were injured and 17 protesters were arrested when violent commotions broke out in Mendiola, Manila, on Sunday, Sept. 21, during anti-corruption protest demonstrations marking the 53rd anniversary of Martial Law.

Authorities said tension erupted when black-clad and masked individuals threw stones, bottles, and Molotov bombs at policemen guarding the route to Malacañang Palace. 

Some protesters also damaged private property and set fire to container vans used as barricades along Ayala Bridge and attempted to breach police lines.

Police Major Hazel Asilo, spokesperson of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), confirmed that some of those arrested were minors, with the youngest being only 11 years old. 

“May mga pagsabog dito mula…sa mga inihagis nila na parang molotov. [Based] sa aming pagkakaalam, kasama… ang ating mga naaresto sa nagtapon,” she said.

Asilo added that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will assess the liability of the minors involved.

“May mga menor de edad (sa mga) nakuha natin. Magdedepende po sa DSWD (at) i-veverify kung mayroon po silang discernment sa ginagawa nila. P’wede silang kasuhan kung may mga nasaktan sila at (na)-assault…sa mga kapulisan natin,” Asilo said.

The injured policemen were brought to Ospital ng Sampaloc, with two confined for treatment, and the rest went back immediately to duty. 

During the confrontation, riot police used water cannons, teargas, and a long-range acoustic device to disperse the crowd. 

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the violent group intended to storm Malacañang. 

“Ang plan nila is to breach the perimeter and burn down the palace, pero we will still comply with the rules and regulations. Na-disperse naman. We held the line, we will continue to hold the line,” Remulla told reporters.

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said the situation has since been contained, but investigations are ongoing to identify the groups behind the attacks. 

NCPRO 3 also confirmed that ten of its personnel deployed in Mendiola were injured in the incident.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) condemned the violence, saying it endangered lives and undermined the message of peaceful protesters. 

“Such actions endanger lives and undermine the message of those who wish to protest peacefully,” the PNP said.

PNP added that it remains committed to safeguarding both the public and demonstrators. 

“We will continue to exercise maximum tolerance, but we will also act against anyone who causes harm or damages property,” the PNP said in a statement.

The protest in Mendiola was part of larger demonstrations across Metro Manila, coined Baha sa Luneta and Trillion Peso March.

The said protests call for accountability over alleged corruption in flood control projects, and commemorate the 53rd anniversary of martial law.