Mayor Isko: Illegal assembly, assault raps to be filed vs. Manila rioters

Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno on Tuesday said charges such as illegal assembly, assault, and disobedience would be filed against those arrested during the Manila riot on September 21. 

Moreno, in a press release issued by the Manila Public Information Office, cited information from the Manila Police District (MPD), saying that 127 adults and 89 minors have been taken into custody.

Of the total number of minors, 67 were classified as children in conflict with the law (CICL) while 24 others were identified as children at risk (CAR).

Excluding the 24 children at risk, Moreno said charges would be filed against the 192 rioters for allegedly violating Batas Pambansa 880 (The Public Assembly Act of 1985), Article 146 of the Revised Penal Code (Illegal Assembly), Article 148 (Assault against a person in authority and their agent), and Article 151 (Resistance and Disobedience).

Meanwhile, other charges such as malicious mischief, arson, physical injuries, and inciting to sedition are being evaluated to see if they will be filed against those arrested as well.

Moreno also acknowledged the involvement of minors in the violent protest, saying that many appeared to have acted with discernment based on their interviews with city social workers.

Police and young rioters confront each other at Mendiola in Manila on September 21, 2025. DANNY PATA

The mayor then urged Congress to consider legislative measures which will address situations where minors are being recruited into riots or mob actions.

“Are they doing it on their own, or are they being manipulated? Kailangan tingnan natin (We need to check this),” Moreno said. 

He also appealed to the parents of those arrested to cooperate with authorities.

“Kung ako sa inyo, kausapin niyo na ang mga anak ninyo at tulungan ang mga pulis na ituro kung sino ang mga tao behind this. Kung hindi, kayo lang ang babalikat sa problemang binigay ninyo sa Maynila na inyong pananagutan sa batas,” he said.

(If I were you, I would talk to your children and help the cops determine those behind this. If not, you will just shoulder the problem you've given to Manila, and you will be answerable under the law.)

Moreno earlier disclosed that he received initial reports that a former politician and a lawyer allegedly funded the rallyists that destroyed properties along Recto Avenue over the weekend. —VAL, GMA Integrated News