Sec. Remulla conveyed in a press briefing that the Philippine National Police (PNP) followed the state President’s directive in executing maximum tolerance to secure the safety and order against the violent protesters as they have received an intel report concerning the security of the Malacanang.

According to sources, the violent protest started off at the Ayala bridge where the authorities blocked the entry to the palace where masked individuals hurled debris and molotov cocktails at the police that served as barricade covering the place.

The tension erupted to Mendiola where the same set of rioters were present, followed by the protesters from Luneta Park—chanting various anti-corruption slogans while the authorities tried to hold them down.

As the escalation of the public rage continued, police personnel started utilizing water cannons and batons pushing back the protesters toward Recto. The confrontation persisted until evening where the police began arresting individuals.

As per Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso in an ambush interview, he had received initial reports claiming that the rioters may have been paid by a former politician and a lawyer regarding the Mendiola commotion and the violent clash in 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,” Moreno said.

Police Senior Inspector PMaj Philipp Ines confirmed that 216 individuals were nabbed, citing 127 adults and 89 minors, while the remaining 65 were classified as teenagers. On the other hand, 95 PNP members were wounded.

The apprehended individuals are currently detained at the Manila Police District while the minors are being handled by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The Department of Health (DOH) also released an official quantity of casualties recorded amid the protest where approximately 48 were confirmed injured and one dead among the rallyist, contrary to the statement of the DILG Secretary.

Meanwhile, there are videos circulating online where police personnel wearing protective gears use violence against protesters.

The protest began at Luneta Park and various areas of Manila over a multi-billion flood control corruption—particularly the Baha sa Luneta—and commemorating the 53rd anniversary of Martial Law mandated by then president Ferdinand Marcos Sr.