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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Scores hurt as young protesters clash with police on Ayala Bridge; 17 arrested

Scores hurt as young protesters clash with police on Ayala Bridge; 17 arrested

Published Sep 21, 2025 02:03 pm
Protesters throw rocks and burn a ten-wheeler truck at Ayala Bridge on Sunday, September 21. They called for accountability over alleged corruption involving government officials. (Photos by John Louie Abrina/MB)
Protesters throw rocks and burn a ten-wheeler truck at Ayala Bridge on Sunday, September 21. They called for accountability over alleged corruption involving government officials. (Photos by John Louie Abrina/MB)
Masked protesters try to breach the police phalanx near Ayala Bridge in Manila on Sunday, Sept. 21. (Photo by Patrick Garcia)
Masked protesters try to breach the police phalanx near Ayala Bridge in Manila on Sunday, Sept. 21. (Photo by Patrick Garcia)
More than 30 police officers and a radio reporter were hurt after young protesters wearing black masks and balaclavas tried to provoke riot police officers of the Manila Police District (MPD) near Ayala Bridge in Manila by throwing rocks at them, setting a container van on fire, and breaching the police barricade near Malacañang on Sunday, Sept. 21.
Seventeen of the young instigators, the youngest of whom was 11 years old, have been arrested by the police.
According to the authorities, the protesters came from Luneta Park as part of the anti-corruption protest when they tried to force their way through the metal barricade set up by the police, including a trailer frame, and several steel containers.
Upon seeing the barricade, the masked protesters started throwing rocks, glass bottles, metal fences, plant boxes, and other hard items at the police who formed a defensive line using their shields and riot gear.
The demonstrators resorted to kicking and directly hitting the policemen with wood planks and other debris.
Some of them also set on fire one of the container barricades during the melee.
A reporter from DzBB identified as Manny Vargas who was covering the demonstration was hit on the face by one of the rocks thrown by the protesters following a foot chase between the police and some of the masked youths.
A police officer was also left injured after being hit by debris thrown at the police force by the protesters.
One of the masked protesters interviewed by the Manila Bulletin confirmed that he and some of his friends are all minors.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) issued a statement condemning the incident on Ayala Bridge, adding that appropriate charges are now being readied against the arrested individuals.
"We respect the public's right to peaceful assembly, but we strongly appeal to everyone to remain calm and refrain from violence. Such actions endanger lives and undermine the message of those who wish to protest peacefully," the PNP said.
"The PNP remains committed to safeguarding both the public and demonstrators. We will continue to exercise maximum tolerance, but we will also act against anyone who causes harm or damages property. Rest assured, those responsible for these acts will be held accountable under the law," it added.

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