Camille Naredo

Youth protesters clash with anti-riot police at Mendiola in Manila during an anti-corruption rally marking the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law on Sunday, September 21, 2025. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News

Youth protesters clash with anti-riot police at Mendiola in Manila during an anti-corruption rally marking the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law on Sunday, September 21, 2025.

Article (news)

SEPT 21 PROTESTS

Dennis Gasgonia

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1758464839109viber_image_2025-09-21_18-38-30-566.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Youth protesters clash with anti-riot police at Mendiola in Manila during an anti-corruption rally marking the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law on Sunday, September 21, 2025. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Youth protesters clash with anti-riot police at Mendiola in Manila during an anti-corruption rally marking the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law on Sunday, September 21, 2025. <em>Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA -- The Manila Police District said it arrested a total of 72 protesters during anti-corruption demonstrations in Manila on Sunday, September 21.</p><p>This, after the protesters engaged in violent acts that disrupted an orderly protest. </p><p>MPD chief Brig. Gen. Arnold Abad reported to Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso that <span style="background-color:transparent">masked demonstrators at Luneta Park, Ayala Bridge, and Chino Roces Bridge in Mendiola turned violent by stomping, pushing, and hurling stones, barricades, glass bottles, and foul-smelling liquid substances mixed with paint at police officers.</span> </p><p>Of those arrested, 51 were apprehended at Ayala Bridge. </p><p>They included 38 adults who underwent physical examination, two minors turned over to the Reception and Action Center (RAC) of the Manila Department of Social Welfare (MDSW), and 11 minors still undergoing determination of discernment. </p><div><a class="fr-green" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/9/21/protest-turns-into-deadly-riot-as-demonstrators-attack-establishments-along-recto-avenue-2027"><strong>Protest turns into riot as &#x27;demonstrators&#x27; attack establishments along Recto Avenue</strong></a> </div><p>Another 21 were arrested in Mendiola, composed of 14 adults and 7 minors. </p><p>Abad said all 70 arrested persons remain in MPD custody under the District Investigation and Detective Management Division (DIDMD) and Women and Children Protection Section (WCPS) for the filing of charges such as malicious mischief, violations of the Anti-Barricade Act, and other related offenses. </p><p>He added that minors are being handled in coordination with the MDSW to ensure proper processing and welfare assistance. The MPD chief said that protesters damaged government property and used debris as weapons to inflict injury. </p><p>Abad reported that unruly individuals also set fire underneath a ten-wheeler trailer truck and a parked motorcycle near the intersection of Ayala and Romualdez streets. </p><div><a class="fr-green" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/9/21/police-say-protesters-arrested-in-mendiola-threw-molotov-bombs-39-cops-hurt-1748"><strong>Police say protesters arrested in Mendiola threw Molotov bombs; 39 cops hurt</strong></a> </div><p>The blaze disrupted nearby activities and prompted immediate coordination with the Bureau of Fire Protection to secure the area. </p><p>From there, protesters moved toward Mendiola, where they escalated their actions by throwing debris and Molotov bombs, burning placards and tarpaulins, and vandalizing government property. </p><p>Immediate medical aid was extended to those injured during the clashes. </p><p>Abad added that further arrests are underway against individuals who allegedly vandalized and severely damaged a hotel in the Recto area and those who started another fire nearby.</p><p>Despite these arrests, the PNP said the nationwide anti-corruption rallies were &quot;generally peaceful.&quot;</p><p>Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said there were some &quot;isolated incidents&quot; done by &quot;unruly protesters.&quot; Nonetheless, he noted that &quot;most rallies went on peacefully because many participants cooperated with the authorities.&quot;</p><p>As of 6:30 PM, the PNP recorded a total of 61,605 protesters nationwide—33,720 in Metro Manila and 27,885 from other regions.</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/wNYXn4RkLnA?autoplay=1&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>The Manila Police District said it arrested a total of 72 protesters during anti-corruption demonstrations in Manila on Sunday, September 21.</p>

The Manila Police District said it arrested a total of 72 protesters during anti-corruption demonstrations in Manila on Sunday, September 21.

Manila Police: 72 arrested due to violent acts during Sept. 21 protests

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Manila Police: 72 arrested due to violent acts during Sept. 21 protests

Dennis Gasgonia,

ABS-CBN News

Published September 21, 2025 10:30 PM PHT

Read More:

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September 21

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