Criminal charges will be filed against 113 protesters—some of them minors—following violent assaults that left 131 police officers injured during the Sept. 21 anti-corruption protest, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) announced Monday.
NCRPO director Maj. Gen. Anthony A. Aberin described the incident as a premeditated attack by masked individuals.
He said the arrested protesters were later given medical attention, as some also sustained injuries.
“Some of those arrested were minors and were investigated in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). They will face charges for direct assault, physical injuries, arson, and other offenses based on available evidence,” Aberin added.
Aberin personally oversaw the situation and ordered security adjustments after protesters repeatedly attempted to breach police barricades.
While protest actions at Luneta in Manila and the People Power Monument in Quezon City remained peaceful, violence erupted near Ayala Bridge in Manila when a group of masked men began attacking police officers.
Some protesters reportedly used Molotov bombs and set fire to container vans and motorcycles.
Later in the day, another group of masked individuals launched a similar assault in an apparent attempt to push toward Malacañang.
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the attacks appeared to be coordinated.
“Most assemblies across Metro Manila were peaceful and orderly, particularly those in EDSA and Luneta. Unfortunately, the gatherings near Ayala Bridge and Mendiola, though unprovoked, turned extremely violent,” Aberin said.
“Protesters turned into mobs, assaulting police officers with stones and improvised weapons. Not content with inflicting harm, they set motorcycles ablaze, vandalized property, and ransacked a business establishment. These criminal acts were captured on video and have since circulated on social media.”
Several officers were hospitalized due to the attacks.
While affirming the NCRPO’s respect for the public’s right to peaceful assembly and free expression, Aberin stressed that these rights have limits.
“These rights must be exercised responsibly and within the bounds of law. Violence and criminality will not be tolerated,” he said.
Aberin lauded his men for observing maximum tolerance despite the repeated provocation and aggression by the protesters.
“Your National Capital Region Police Office maintained maximum tolerance despite premeditated violence. Despite such despicable aggression, your police officers remained composed, professional, and exercised maximum tolerance,” said Aberin. (Aaron Recuenco)
