Initial reports say ex-politician allegedly behind Mendiola commotion — Isko Moreno

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno on Monday said he received initial reports that a former politician and a lawyer allegedly funded the rallyists that destroyed properties along Recto Avenue during a protest against corruption.

“Merong  mga initial report, sketchy pa, may dating pulitiko, Filipino-Chinese ang funder, tapos may isang abugado, funder din, nung mga bata na iyon kagabi,” Moreno said in an ambush interview.

(There are some initial reports, still sketchy, that a former politician, a Filipino-Chinese, is the funder, and also a lawyer who is a funder of those youths last night.)

In a separate interview, Moreno said they were from Taguig, Pasay, Parañaque, Caloocan, and Quezon City.

The Manila Police District said that a total of 113 people have been arrested for throwing rocks, destroying properties, and burning tires.

Meanwhile, Moreno said that around a 100 police officers were also injured.

“Meron pa ko isang nag-kritikal pero ano na siya, ligtas na,” he said.

(I also have one who was in critical condition but is now safe.)

According to Moreno, the estimated damage amounts to millions.

Ulat na may pinasok na mga dormitoryo at may nasawi umano sa gulo sa kilos-protesta sa Maynila kahapon, pinabulaanan ng Lokal na Pamahalaan ng Maynila. | via @xtian_mano pic.twitter.com/iO1oLW9RTy

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) September 22, 2025

No fatalities

The mayor, meanwhile, denied reports of fatalities.

“‘Wag po kayo magpapaniwala. Kung maraming namatay eh di sana nakita na ng media,” he said in a separate interview.

(Don’t believe it. If many had died, then surely the media would have already seen it.)

“Ako feeling ko kasi yung mga nag po-post na sinusugod sila ng pulis, may namatay, ito ‘yung mga nanggulo eh. Natatakot ngayon,” he added.

(I feel like those who are posting that they were stormed by the police, that someone died, these are the ones who caused the trouble. Now they’re afraid.) — Joahna Lei Casilao/RSJ, GMA Integrated News