Minors paid P3,000 each to join Sept. 21 Mendiola riot - DILG

The riot along Mendiola Street in Manila amid the massive anti-corruption protests last Sunday, September 21 was one that was paid and organized, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said Tuesday. 

DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said children as young as 11 years old were allegedly paid P3,000 each to take part in the riot and were told to burn Malacanang Palace. 

“Mukhang lumalabas organized group… ang bayad nila sa mga bata ay P3,000 each. May mga videos pa kami na pinapakita nila mga pera nila at niyayabang sa social media,” he said in a press statement. 

(It appears to be an organized group… they paid the children P3,000 each. We even have videos where they are showing off their money and flaunting it on social media.) 

“Ang instruction, kung kaya niyo umabot ng palasyo, sunugin niyo. Ganoon lang,” Remulla added. 

(The instruction, if you can reach the palace, burn it. That was it.) 

The DILG said there are currently 217 individuals under investigation, of which 95 are minors. Authorities are now looking at testimonies, online videos, and photos to identify those who organized and financed the riot. 

“No one is exempt from being investigated… tinitingnan namin…Kailangan may solid case build-up bago kami mag-prosecute,” said Remulla, adding that several names have surfaced on the course of their probe. 

(No one is exempt from being investigated… we are looking into it… There needs to be a solid case build-up before we can prosecute.) 

The possible charges include arson, destruction of property, inciting to sedition, and sedition, the DILG said. 

Further, the DILG reiterated that the police did not use any tear gas. It noted that it was the rogue protesters who attacked the police with tear gas, fireworks, and water reportedly sourced from canals. 

Information from the Philippine National Police showed that over 100 cops were injured, with about 20 admitted to the hospital.

60 minors nabbed in Sept. 21 Manila protest undergo inquest proceedings at MPD headquarters

Meanwhile, the arrested minors underwent inquest proceedings at the Manila Police District (MPD) Headquarters on Tuesday.

Super Radyo dzBB reporter Manny Vargas reported that 60 minors aged 15 to 17 years old faced prosecutors, based on recommendation of social workers.

Meanwhile, 25 arrested minors aged 14 years old and below will be transferred to the Reception and Action Center ng Manila Social Welfare.

The 60 children in conflict with the law (CICL) could face charges of illegal assembly, resistance and disobedience to a person of authority, direct assault to a person of authority, malicious mischief, and serious physician injury, among others.

Victims of theft and robbery, including establishment owners, will also file separate charges against some of the minors.

Once charges are filed, the 60 CICL may be transferred to the Manila Boys Town Complex in Marikina City.

Members of the Public Attorneys' Office and prosecutors handling the minors' cases also arrived at the MPD headquarters for the inquest proceedings. —Vince Angelo Ferreras and Mariel Celine Serquina/RF, GMA Integrated News