216 protesters arrested, 95 police hurt in September 21 rally in Manila

The number of individuals who have been arrested for throwing rocks, destroying properties, and burning tires during protest action against corruption on Sunday has risen to 216, while 95 police officers were injured. 

The Manila Police District (MPD) earlier reported that 113 rogue and violent protesters were nabbed in various locations, such as Ayala Bridge, Mendiola, and Recto.

Among those who were apprehended were minors. Some of them turned over to the Manila Reception and Action Center, while others were subjected to a determination of discernment. 

The MPD said the injured policemen suffered lacerations. One police officer may require admission due to a nasal fracture.

Some were brought to the Philippine National Police General Hospital, while others did not need hospitalization. 

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) president Renato Reyes said Sunday the groups behind the commotion in Mendiola were not affiliated with them, saying he himself was injured in the incident.

"Currently at the ER, bloodied after being hit by a rock in Mendiola. The Bayan program had ended, and we were already leaving via organized dispersal when a commotion broke out in Mendiola. Stones were being thrown, and I got hit in the face," Reyes said.

"The people who stayed in Mendiola were angry, years of pent-up anger. We don’t know who the groups were. They’re not affiliated with BAYAN. But we could sense their anger. And even after we ended the program, they stayed on," he added.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the masked individuals who hurled rocks at police at the Ayala and Mendiola areas were "mostly minors."

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

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

Super Radyo 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. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/NB, GMA Integrated News