Manila police, UST student groups say no Thomasian arrested during protests

The Manila Police District (MPD) and student groups from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) on Sunday refuted circulating messages claiming Thomasians were arrested or abducted during anti-corruption protest actions during the anniversary of martial law.

“Negative po yan,” MPD spokesperson Police Major Philip Ines told GMA News Online in a Viber message when asked about the reports.

Earlier, a message circulating online alleged that multiple Thomasians were “zip tied and chucked in vans” by supposed authorities while joining the protests at EDSA, and urged participants to leave.

Anakbayan–UST dismissed the claims in a Facebook advisory, saying no Thomasian was harmed during the rallies.

“Upon confirmation of an eyewitness, no Thomasian was arrested or abducted contrary to the claims of the circulating message. All UST contingent who attended the protests at Luneta and EDSA were reported to be safe,” the group said.

The organization urged the public to avoid spreading unverified reports and instead rely only on trusted sources.

The UST Central Student Council (CSC) also issued an emergency advisory, strongly encouraging Thomasians to remain indoors for safety.

“The council strongly advises all Thomasian students, alumni, and University staff to stay indoors at the comfort of your homes for the time being,” the CSC said in its social media post.

To all members of the Thomasian Community:

The council strongly advises all Thomasian students, alumni, and University staff to stay indoors at the comfort of your homes for the time being. pic.twitter.com/0AsbBC9eCa

— UST Central Student Council (@ust_csc) September 21, 2025

It likewise reminded minors to observe the 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. curfew set by the Manila City Mayor’s Office and cautioned the Thomasian community against consuming or sharing unverified and misleading information.

Meanwhile, in Raffy Tima's report, the MPD said at least 72 individuals were arrested in Manila for allegedly causing trouble during the anti-corruption protests.

The demonstrations, dubbed the “Trillion Peso March,” were held on September 21 at Luneta and the EDSA People Power Monument to mark the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of martial law and to protest alleged large-scale corruption in government. — BM, GMA Integrated News