An anti-corruption protest in Manila on 21/9 escalated into a riot when a group of about 400 masked youths clashed with riot police.
The group threw bottles, bricks, and flammable materials at security forces, attempting to breach police lines and advance towards the Presidential Palace in the morning. That afternoon, they continued to throw firecrackers and bricks, and set a police vehicle on fire, prompting riot police to respond with water cannons and tear gas.
"There were incidents of arson and serious injuries that could fall under sedition charges. Their pronouncements of setting fire to the Presidential Palace is also an act of sedition," Philippines Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said on 22/9.
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Protesters hold flags in front of a police barricade in Manila, Philippines, on 21/9. Photo: Reuters |
Protesters hold flags in front of a police barricade in Manila, Philippines, on 21/9. Photo: Reuters
Manila Police District spokesperson Philipp Ines previously said a hip-hop group influenced by a rapper instigated the violence. Remulla said preliminary information suggests the group intended to storm and set fire to the Presidential Palace.
129 police officers and 76 civilians were injured during the riot in Manila on 21/9. At least 216 people were arrested, including 89 minors. Manila authorities imposed a curfew from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. for those under 17.
Protests erupted in the Philippines last weekend against corruption, with around 49,000 people gathering at Rizal Park and other locations. Philippine riot police used water cannons, tear gas, and long-range acoustic devices to disperse the violent crowds.
On 11/9, several rappers and popular hip-hop pages in the Philippines launched an online campaign urging followers to wear black, cover their faces, and join the protest on 21/9 at Luneta Park.
Among the artists were Pinoy Pawn Stars host Boss Toyo, comedian Sir Jack Argota, and rappers Omar Baliw, Waiian, and Vitrum. Their posts quickly spread, garnering hundreds of thousands of interactions.
Manila police are expanding their investigation and verifying statements from some of the arrested protesters.
Duc Trung (according to Inquirer, GMA News)
