President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso have both condemned the violent acts that erupted during the anti-corruption rallies in Manila on Sept. 21, vowing to hold accountable those responsible for the chaos that marred an otherwise peaceful demonstration.
In a Palace briefing on Sept. 22, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro relayed President Marcos’ directive to pursue legal action against individuals who turned the peaceful rally into a scene of “anarchy.”
She singled out a group referred to as “Team Itim,” describing them as masked agitators who burned property, attacked police with rocks and Molotov cocktails, and incited violence in Mendiola and Ayala Bridge.
“Mananagot ang lahat,” Castro declared. “That is what President Marcos wants—for all who used violence during the peaceful rally on Sunday.”
She emphasized that these individuals were not legitimate protesters but opportunists who committed theft, arson, and destruction.
Castro also warned those who manipulated minors into participating in the violence, calling them “greedy for power.”
Figures from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) revealed that 216 individuals were arrested, including 127 adults and 89 minors.
Among the minors, 65 were classified as children in conflict with the law, while 24 were considered children at risk.
The DILG also reported 95 police personnel were injured during the dispersals, some requiring serious medical attention.
Mayor Domagoso, who personally inspected the damage in Mendiola, echoed the President’s stance.
He expressed sorrow over the destruction and clarified that the violence was not caused by the peaceful rallyists who had gathered earlier in the day.
“Masyadong malaki ang damage na ginawa. I don’t think mga rallyista iyon,” he said.
Domagoso vowed to file both criminal and civil charges against those apprehended, stressing that anyone who participated or colluded in the riots would be held liable.
“Sumali ka, nakisapakat ka, nahuli ka—sama ka sa danyos,” he warned.
The City Government of Manila, in coordination with the Philippine National Police, will pursue legal action to ensure accountability.
The mayor also commended the police for exercising restraint amid the violence and assured the public that the city’s extensive CCTV network—comprising around a thousand cameras—would aid in identifying and prosecuting the perpetrators.
“We’ll go after them,” he said. “We’ll do our best to clean up the mess.” (Argyll Geducos, Patrick Garcia)
