Manila Rally Turns Violent As Protesters Attack Police

Patrolman Emerson Macaslig of the Manila Police District suffered critical head injuries after being mobbed by masked individuals during protests against government corruption involving flood control projects on Sunday, September 21, 2025.

Manila Rally Turns Violent As Protesters Attack Police

By Bing Jabadan – TheNationWeek.Com | September 23, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – Violent clashes erupted in Manila on Sunday, September 21, 2025, during protests against government corruption involving flood control projects.

Scores were injured as allegations of paid participation and orchestrated unrest surfaced.

The demonstrations, centered around Rizal Park and the Mendiola Peace Arch near Malacañang Palace, saw confrontations between protesters and police.

Both law enforcement officers and demonstrators were injured during the clash.

The Manila Police District reported that about 100 officers sustained injuries, with some requiring hospitalization.

Reports showed that protesters, many clad in black and wearing masks, hurled rocks, bottles, and other projectiles at police lines.

A trailer truck and other vehicles were also set ablaze near Ayala Bridge, escalating tensions early in the day.

Police responded with water cannons, tear gas, and a long-range acoustic device to disperse the crowd.

“We are for the accountability of public officials, but we are still against instability,” said Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, who inspected several areas after the riot.

Remulla stressed the government’s commitment to “maximum tolerance,” but vowed to address the violence.

Allegations of Paid Protesters

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso has raised concerns about the reported financial incentives for some participants.

“A few days before the September 21 protest, I received intelligence reports indicating that initiators or instigators were funding these young people,” Domagoso revealed during an interview.

He alluded to the possibility of individuals connected to the unrest.

Authorities are now investigating the allegations.

Cybercrime Unit to Employ Facial Recognition

In a move to identify individuals involved in the protests, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has announced the use of facial recognition technology.

“We have the capability to do facial recognition,” said lawyer Renato Paraiso, acting executive director of the CICC.

“We are requesting raw data from our friends in the media because, in our monitoring, while many of them had covers on their faces, there were also many who showed their faces,” Paraiso said.

He asserted that the move is a valid exercise of police power.

Focus on Flood Control Corruption

Simultaneous protests in Metro Manila occurred due to public concern over corruption in flood control projects.

Acting Philippine National Police chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez appealed for calm before the rallies, acknowledging shared concerns about the corruption issue.

Authorities noted that some protesters carried Philippine flags and banners bearing the “Straw Hat Pirates” emblem, a symbol associated with anti-corruption demonstrations in other countries.

The PNP issued a statement emphasizing respect for peaceful assembly while condemning the violence.

It reiterated its commitment to safeguarding both the public and demonstrators but vowed to go after those responsible for the violence.