Scores hurt as masked rioters clash with cops

At least 40 people were hurt when masked protesters hurled objects and burned tires before a police barricade at Ayala Bridge in Manila in the wake of September 21 rallies against corruption in Manila on Sunday afternoon. 

The rallies at the Luneta and Mendiola in Manila and on EDSA were held amid ongoing investigations into billions of pesos worth of "ghost" and substandard flood control projects.

According to the report on GMA Integrated News' "Protesta ng Bayan" Special Coverage, 39 of those injured were policemen.

The National Capital Region Police Office said minors were behind the disturbance. It added that the minors have been rescued, not arrested.

In a statement, the PNP said 17 people were arrested for supposedly throwing stones and burning tires in Mendiola.

“Seventeen individuals believed to be responsible are now in the custody of the Manila Police District,” the PNP said in a statement.

Stone-throwing

According to the PNP, the police received reports of tension, including incidents of stone-throwing and a trailer truck being set on fire at Ayala corner Romualdez, where around 400 individuals had gathered. 

“Firefighters and police personnel responded immediately, and the situation is now contained. Appropriate charges are being readied for filing against those involved,” the PNP said.

The PNP strongly appealed to the public to remain calm and refrain from violence, as such actions endanger lives and undermine the message of those who wish to protest peacefully.

In a report by GMA Integrated News' Jonathan Andal on Sunday afternoon, violence erupted between police and some protesters who were trying to reach Mendiola, which is near Malacañang Palace. 

Trouble started when unidentified young men lit several tires on fire in front a shipping container that authorities were using as an obstacle.

The report said bottles, paint, and rocks were thrown at the cops, who were forced to use their riot shields to protect themselves from the flying debris.

Payloader damaged

At around 4 p.m., the protesters were able to remove the police barricade and crossed Legarda Street leading to the Mendiola Bridge.

They also broke the glass of a payloader parked near a university.

Police were seen urging the rioters to remain calm and to stop throwing objects.

There was an explosion of unknown cause that was heard during the incident.

A motorcycle was reportedly destroyed by fire. 

DZBB reporter Manny Vargas was hurt after he was struck by a rock in the face while reporting the incident via Facebook Live.

Vargas said several of the instigators were minors, with some saying they wanted to reach Malacañang and burn the palace.

Several cops were drenched in an unknown, smelly substance that stuck to their uniforms.

Facial recognition

For its part, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) said it is closely coordinating with the law enforcement agencies to provide technical support and assistance for facial recognition of the individuals recorded on videos of the incident.

“Gusto natin na mahulo itong mga ito. Kailangan ‘pag nahuli natin ‘tong mga ‘to, it should be an open and shut case,” CICC Undersecretary Renato “Aboy” Paraiso said in a virtual briefing on Sunday afternoon.

“It’s a disserve dun sa mga kababayan natin na nagpapahayag, mapayapang nagpaabot ng mga saloobin nila eh, pero ‘yung mga ganito has no place in any form of civil society,” he added.

(We want these people to be caught. It should be an open and shut case once we catch them… It’s a disservice to countrymen who peacefully expressed their sentiments because actions like these have no place in any form of civil society.)

The CICC said it would also be requesting video footage from local media networks for its data gathering.

A number of groups from the Luneta rally in the morning left at noon to proceed to Mendiola.

In a follow-up report, cops arrested at least two men who were said to be protesters. At least a dozen men wearing black clothing were lying on the ground under police guard.

Firefighters also extinguished the fire — with Jon Viktor Cabuenas/RF/RSJ, GMA Integrated News