SILG Remulla: Mostly minors, rioters wanted to burn Malacañang

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

Remulla told reporters on Mendiola Bridge that the initial information indicated the youths intended to breach the perimeter and reach Malacañang.

"Ang plan nila is to breach the perimeter and burn down the palace pero we will still comply with the rules and regulations," Remulla said.

"Na-disperse naman. We held the line, we will continue to hold the line," he added.

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.

Remulla said those who have been taken into custody will be interviewed in the presence of a representative from the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

"Ang interview nila is with the DSWD. Their rights will not be violated," Remulla said.

In an interview on Super Radyo dzBB, 19 have been arrested, "puro mga bata (all minors)."

"Hindi pa namn verified pero mukhang 15 to 17 yrs old ang mga agitators. It came to a point na nagbabatuhan na ng Molotov," Remulla said.

"We still used maximum tolerance kahit pingababato na ang pulis natin," he added. –NB, GMA Integrated News