Violent clashes disrupt Manila rally, police arrest 49 near Malacañang

A massive anti-corruption protest that drew tens of thousands to Rizal Park and the People Power Monument on Sept. 21 was marred by violent clashes near Malacañang Palace, where police arrested 49 people.

Authorities said about 100 individuals armed with clubs hurled rocks, bottles, and fire bombs at officers and blocked bridges leading to the presidential compound.

The attackers sprayed graffiti, toppled steel posts, shattered glass panels, and even ransacked the lobby of a budget inn before dispersing late at night, according to Manila police.

At least 70 law enforcers were reported injured in the melee, which unfolded as more than 33,000 other protesters held peaceful demonstrations demanding accountability for alleged kickbacks in flood-control projects.

Police fired tear gas to break up the violence, warning that acts of vandalism and disorder would not be tolerated.

Hours after the incident, authorities said the situation had been “contained,” but they have yet to confirm the identities of those arrested or their connection to the larger rally.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Sept. 22 described the youth’s involvement in the unrest as a “national security issue.”

“Ito po ay isang issue ng national security kung ganoon pa po ang kabataan, kung saan nila napupulot ito. Ito’y dapat tumbukin kaagad at maremedyohan,” Teodoro said in a radio interview.

He added that unvalidated reports linked the violence to illegal drugs and raised questions about the use of black flags with skull markings that could point to the influence of outside groups.

“Iyan ho ang kailangang nating tumbukin. Kung sino ang nag-iimpluwensya at nag-eenganyo or nagbibigay ng pinagbabawal na gamot dito po sa ating mga kabataan na ito. Iyan po ang dapat patawan ng malaking krimen na talaga, patawan ng malaking parusa,” Teodoro said.