In Manila, over 200 individuals were detained amid confrontations with masked demonstrators during predominantly peaceful anti-corruption protests, a police spokesperson reported on Monday.
Demonstrators lie on the ground after being apprehended by police during a protest against alleged corruption in flood control projects in Manila, Philippines, on September 21, 2025. — Reuters
Among the 216 detained on Sunday, at least 88 were minors, as authorities used water cannons and loud sirens against predominantly young, rock-throwing protesters.
Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno noted that the youngest detainee was a 12-year-old boy.
Police officers block demonstrators during a protest against alleged corruption in flood control projects, in Manila, Philippines, on September 21, 2025. — Reuters
Thousands gathered in Manila on Sunday to express their outrage over a growing scandal involving fake flood-control projects that may have cost taxpayers billions.
The controversy has implicated numerous lawmakers, prompting the resignation of leaders from both congressional houses amid investigations.
However, clashes on Sunday, which saw police vehicles set on fire and precinct windows smashed, risked overshadowing the family-filled and activist-led demonstrations.
“So far, no one has explained their actions or indicated any external influence,” regional police spokesperson Major Hazel Asilo told AFP.
“Once we identify their affiliations, we’ll determine if they were genuine protesters or agitators,” she added.
According to a health department statement on Monday, around 50 individuals were treated at a Manila hospital following the unrest.
Another police spokesperson, Major Philipp Ines, reported that 93 officers sustained injuries on Sunday, with arrest numbers potentially increasing as processing continued.
Frustration over the “ghost infrastructure projects” has been rising since President Ferdinand Marcos highlighted them in a July address, following weeks of severe flooding.
The Department of Finance estimated that corruption in these projects cost the Philippines up to 118.5 billion pesos ($2 billion) from 2023 to 2025.
Greenpeace suggests the actual figure might be closer to $18 billion.
The Philippines braced for heavy flooding on Monday as Super Typhoon Ragasa approached the northernmost provinces.
The country experiences an average of 20 storms and typhoons annually, leaving millions in disaster-prone areas in persistent poverty.
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© Agence France-Presse
