Camille Naredo

17 arrested after tension erupts during Sept. 21 protest in Manila

Article (news)

Karen De Guzman

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA -- Seventeen individuals were arrested Sunday afternoon after violence broke out during a protest in Manila. </p><p>The Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed that tensions escalated in Mendiola, Manila, where around 300 to 400 demonstrators had gathered.</p><p>According to the PNP, protesters allegedly set a trailer truck on fire and threw stones near the intersection of Ayala and Romualdez streets. </p><p>Police and firefighters quickly responded to the scene and managed to contain the situation. </p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/9/21/pnp-on-alert-for-lightning-rallies-on-sept-21-0849">READ: PNP on alert for lightning rallies on Sept 21</a></div><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/9/21/luneta-rally-to-send-message-to-officials-contractors-linked-to-corruption-0929">READ: Luneta rally to send message to officials, contractors</a></div><p>The 17 arrested individuals are now in the custody of the Manila Police District. </p><p>Authorities say charges are being prepared against those involved in the violence.</p><p>In a statement, the PNP reiterated its commitment to upholding the right to peaceful assembly but condemned the outbreak of violence.</p><p>&quot;We respect the public&#x27;s right to peaceful assembly, but we strongly appeal to everyone to remain calm and refrain from violence,&quot; the PNP said. </p><p>&quot;Such actions endanger lives and undermine the message of those who wish to protest peacefully.&quot;</p><p>The PNP emphasized that while they will continue to observe &quot;maximum tolerance,&quot; they will not hesitate to act against those who cause harm or damage property.</p><p>&quot;Rest assured, those responsible for these acts will be held accountable under the law,&quot; the statement concluded.</p><p>Despite the incident in Manila, other protest actions across the country reportedly remained peaceful, with demonstrators completing their programs without disruption. </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO: </strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gUEu2EeYHCc?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>Seventeen individuals were arrested Sunday afternoon after violence broke out during a protest in Manila. </p>

Seventeen individuals were arrested Sunday afternoon after violence broke out during a protest in Manila.