MANILA — Authorities are investigating the alleged involvement of a former politician and a lawyer in funding the violent protest that erupted near Mendiola, which left one protester dead and more than 100 police officers injured.
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso said initial reports point to external financiers who backed the group of protesters that clashed with law enforcers along Recto Avenue.
“Merong mga initial report, sketchy pa, may dating pulitiko, Filipino-Chinese ang funder, tapos may isang abugado, funder din, nung mga bata na iyon kagabi,” Domagoso disclosed in an ambush interview on Monday.
The Manila Police District confirmed that at least 113 individuals were apprehended for vandalism, rock-throwing, and burning tires.
Those arrested came from different parts of Metro Manila, including Taguig, Pasay, Parañaque, Caloocan, and Quezon City.
Domagoso said more than 100 members of the police force sustained injuries during the dispersal.
“Meron pa ko isang nag-kritikal pero ano na siya, ligtas na,” he added.
One protester was confirmed dead after being stabbed during the rally.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla condemned the violence, branding the rioters as “anarchists” inspired by foreign protest tactics.
“The protest was about a better country, not about anarchy, and these people are anarchists,” Remulla said in a television interview.
He also stressed that minors and other individuals caught hurling Molotov cocktails could face serious charges, including frustrated homicide.
“We consider that an intent to kill,” he warned.
Despite the chaos, thousands of Filipinos participated in peaceful demonstrations across Metro Manila to denounce alleged corruption in flood control projects.
The widespread turnout underscored public outrage, though it also highlighted the risks of violent infiltration overshadowing legitimate calls for accountability./PN
