Jamaine Punzalan

Authorities arrest youth protesters who set fire to 40-foot container trailer trucks along with two motorcycles parked near the protest site at the foot of Ayala Bridge in Manila, as they attempt to cross a police barricade leading to Mendiola during the anti-corruption protest on Sunday, September 21, 2025. Mores Heramis, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

ANTI CORRUTPION PROTEST

Karen De Guzman

Katrina Domingo

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/175852667503920250921-anti-corruption-ayala-tension-MH7.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Authorities arrest youth protesters who set fire to 40-foot container trailer trucks along with two motorcycles parked near the protest site at the foot of Ayala Bridge in Manila, as they attempt to cross a police barricade leading to Mendiola during the anti-corruption protest on Sunday, September 21, 2025. Mores Heramis, ABS-CBN News</span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday denied allegations that officers used tear gas or fired live or rubber bullets during a tense confrontation with a group of individuals in Manila on September 21.</p><p>The commotion occurred in the areas of Mendiola and Recto, coinciding with the anti-corruption rally protests.</p><p>However, authorities said this year’s violence was not linked to traditional protest groups, but to a separate, unruly crowd.</p><p>“Ang sinabi po ng district director, wala po tayong tear gas. Kasama po sa imbestigasyon niyan na ito po ay maaaring molotov bomb na galing po doon mismo sa mga nambato, ‘yung mga agitators po natin,” PNP spokesperson Police Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said.</p><p>“Wala po kahit rubber bullets o anumang bullet. Bawal po ‘yun. Hindi po ‘yun kasama sa police operational procedure,” he said in a press briefing, after viral social media claims suggested that gunfire was heard in the area.</p><p>Manila Police District (MPD) spokesperson PMaj. Philipp Ines also clarified reports of explosions caught on video.</p><p>“Wala po tayong ganun. Nakita po natin doon sa isang video sa social media na merong putok na narinig, ito po ay molotov na galing po sa mga nanggugulo sa lugar,” Ines said.</p><p>“May nakuha tayong molotov dun. At hindi lang molotov, mga pintura po na tinapon nila sa mga pulis natin.”</p><p>According to MPD, only flash bombs — non-lethal devices used to create diversion — were deployed by officers as a crowd control measure.</p><p>Police said no tear gas was used and no ammunition of any kind was fired.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>ALLEGED RIOTERS NOT LINKED TO PROTEST GROUPS</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>The PNP said initial findings suggested that those involved in the violence might not have been traditional protestors but individuals allegedly linked to<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/9/22/-hiphop-gangsters-involved-in-manila-riot-police-0959"> local hip-hop &quot;gangster&quot; groups.</a></p><p>“Ang nakuha po natin initial information, miyembro po sila ng mga hiphop gangster. Naimpluwensyahan sila ng isang rapper na isa pong personality,” Ines said, without naming the individual.</p><p>Authorities are also probing possible online incitement.</p><p>The Anti-Cybercrime Group has been tapped to track whether the group was encouraged or mobilized via social media.</p><p>“Sinasabi nila po ay nagkaroon ng paghikayat sa kanila online. Magkakaroon po tayo ng pag iimbestiga at hindi po tayo papayag na di mapapanagot kung talagang may hayagang paglabag sa batas,” Ines added.</p><p>When asked about alleged involvement of leftist elements, Ines said they are considering all angles but are focused on the actual violations committed during the incident.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/9/22/dilg-chief-denies-police-gunshots-says-anarchists-to-face-raps-1052">DILG chief denies police gunshots, says &#x27;anarchists&#x27; to face raps</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>ISKO MORENO: INSTIGATORS MAY HAVE FUNDED RIOTS</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso said that some individuals involved in the disruption could have been financially motivated.</p><p>“May mga napabalita na mga instigator or nagplano na magbigay ng pera o funding sa ilang mga indibidwal na nanggulo noong gabi,” he said.</p><p>When pressed about rumors that a rapper led the group, Domagoso said he would defer to the PNP’s investigation, but hinted that other personalities could be involved.</p><p>“Hindi lang iyan rapper. Mayroon dyan abogado, isa naman dating pulitiko sa Maynila. Kasi a few days before, I have intelligence report na may mga initiator or instigator na nagfu-fund sa mga batang ito,” the mayor added.</p><p>The PNP reiterated its commitment to upholding constitutional rights, including freedom of expression, but said violent behavior and destruction of public property would not be tolerated.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/9/22/93-police-officers-injured-113-protesters-arrested-in-violent-september-21-demonstration-0843">95 cops injured, 216 protesters arrested in anti-corruption protest clashes</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>&#x27;GENERALLY PEACFUL&#x27;</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>The September 21 protests this weekend were “generally peaceful” despite the riot that ensued in Recto and in Mendiola, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said. </p><p>“None of the legitimate protesters were hurt in the sites all around the country. It was only a few who tried to incite violence near the Palace that were arrested,” he said.</p><p>“So, the protest was not limited to EDSA Shrine and Luneta and the People Power Monument – all round the country, there were separate venues and all of them were very peaceful,” he said, noting that there were zero casualties as of Monday noon.</p><p>Remulla attributed the supposedly peaceful gatherings to the commitment of the police force to enforce maximum tolerance despite being harassed by several “anarchists.”</p><p>“The police got hurt more than the protesters,” the Interior chief said, noting that 95 police personnel sustained injuries from the riots in Manila.</p><p>“Nakakaawa po ang mga pulis natin, binuhusan ng tubig galing sa kanal, binato ng hollow blocks, binato ng molotov cocktail pero ganoon pa man, walang ginamit na dahas sa mga raliyista,” he said.</p><div><br style="caret-color:rgb(0, 0, 0);color:rgb(0, 0, 0)"/></div>

<p>The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday denied allegations that officers used tear gas or fired live or rubber bullets during a tense confrontation with a group of individuals in Manila on September 21.</p>

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday denied allegations that officers used tear gas or fired live or rubber bullets during a tense confrontation with a group of individuals in Manila on September 21.

No gunshots, no tear gas: PNP denies use of force in Manila riot

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Nation

No gunshots, no tear gas: PNP denies use of force in Manila riot

Karen De Guzman,

Katrina Domingo,

ABS-CBN News

Published September 22, 2025 03:42 PM PHT

|

Updated September 22, 2025 03:46 PM PHT

Read More:

PNP

MPD

protests

rallies

peaceful

isolated incidents

police

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.