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

Karen De Guzman

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/1758462803588viber_image_2025-09-21_18-38-18-675.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 Philippine National Police (PNP) described the nationwide anti-corruption rallies held on September 21 as &quot;generally peaceful,&quot; with only a few isolated incidents reported.</p><p>In a statement, Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. commended law enforcement units for ensuring public safety. </p><p>&quot;Our police units worked hard to keep everyone safe today. While there were some isolated incidents, including a trailer truck set on fire at the foot of the Ayala bridge by a few unruly protesters, most rallies went on peacefully because many participants cooperated with the authorities,&quot; he said.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/9/21/thousands-join-trillion-peso-march-at-edsa-to-protest-corruption-1609">READ: Thousands join ‘Trillion Peso March’ at EDSA to protest corruption</a></div><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><p>To maintain order, more than 50,000 police officers were deployed across the country, including 29,300 assigned to Metro Manila as part of Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) units.</p><p>Although the majority of demonstrations remained peaceful, the PNP reported several disturbances, including incidents of stone-throwing and the burning of a trailer truck near Ayala Bridge in Manila.</p><p>Authorities arrested 49 individuals—36 adults and 13 minors—for alleged offenses including illegal assembly, direct assault, malicious mischief, and resistance to authorities.</p><p>At least 70 members of the Manila Police District sustained injuries during efforts to contain the isolated disruptions.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/9/21/police-say-protesters-arrested-in-mendiola-threw-molotov-bombs-39-cops-hurt-1748">READ: Police say protesters arrested in Mendiola threw Molotov bombs; 39 cops hurt</a></div><p>Despite these incidents, the PNP emphasized that its personnel exercised maximum tolerance, allowing peaceful assemblies to proceed largely without interference.</p><p>&quot;We thank the organizers and participants who cooperated and followed the rules,&quot; said PNP spokesperson Police Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño. </p><p>&quot;Our officers showed great courage today, and we truly appreciate their sacrifice and dedication in keeping everyone safe.&quot;</p><p>The rallies were held to commemorate the anniversary of martial law under the Marcos dictatorship, and to spotlight pressing national issues such as the flood control projects controversy. </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/O-AVBNqcPd0?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>The Philippine National Police (PNP) described the nationwide anti-corruption rallies held on September 21 as "generally peaceful," with only a few isolated incidents reported.</p>

The Philippine National Police (PNP) described the nationwide anti-corruption rallies held on September 21 as "generally peaceful," with only a few isolated incidents reported.

PNP: Anti-corruption rallies 'generally peaceful' despite isolated incidents

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PNP: Anti-corruption rallies 'generally peaceful' despite isolated incidents

Karen De Guzman,

ABS-CBN News

Published September 21, 2025 10:07 PM PHT

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