MPD Arrests 72 Protesters Sunday

(UPDATED) The Manila Police District (MPD) announced on Sunday, September 21, that it arrested 72 protesters during anti-corruption demonstrations in Manila. Authorities said the arrests followed violent actions that disrupted what began as orderly rallies.

MPD chief Brig. Gen. Arnold Abad reported to Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso that masked protesters at Luneta Park, Ayala Bridge, and Chino Roces Bridge in Mendiola turned violent by stomping, shoving, and throwing stones, barricades, bottles, and liquid substances mixed with paint at police officers.

Police arrested 51 people at Ayala Bridge, including 38 adults who underwent medical examinations, two minors referred to the Reception and Action Center of the Manila Department of Social Welfare (MDSW), and 11 minors whose cases remain under discernment assessment. They also arrested 21 protesters in Mendiola, composed of 14 adults and seven minors.

Abad said investigators placed all 70 detainees under MPD custody for charges of malicious mischief, violation of the Anti-Barricade Act, and other related offenses. He added that police coordinated with the MDSW to process minors properly.

According to Abad, protesters damaged government property, hurled debris as weapons, and set fire beneath a ten-wheeler truck and a motorcycle near Ayala and Romualdez streets. Firefighters quickly responded to contain the blaze. The group then moved toward Mendiola, where they threw Molotov bombs, burned placards and tarpaulins, and vandalized more government property.

Abad said police gave immediate medical aid to the injured and confirmed that investigators are pursuing suspects linked to vandalism at a hotel in Recto and another fire nearby.

Despite the clashes, Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. described the nationwide anti-corruption rallies as “generally peaceful,” noting that most participants cooperated with authorities.